The bill amends Section 42-72-5.3 of the General Laws concerning the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to establish general caseload limits for department workers that align with the Council on Accreditation (COA) standards. The specific caseload limits include a maximum of twelve active investigations at a time (with no more than eight new investigations per month), fourteen families receiving ongoing in-home services, twelve children in out-of-home care and their families, and eight children in treatment foster care and their families. The bill acknowledges that there may be circumstances where caseloads exceed these limits, such as temporary staff vacancies, but emphasizes that the department should make all efforts to meet the established numbers.

Additionally, the bill requires the department to conduct an annual pay rate review for current employees to ensure competitive compensation based on salary data from other New England states. The director of the department is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement these provisions. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
878: 42-72-5.3