FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

0403-Div of Human Services General Administration Fund, 8722 -Cons Federal Funds Div Human Services Gen Admin Fund

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The purpose of this bill is to clarify that a child who is physically healthy and presumed safe is a neglected child if he or she is habitually absent from school without good cause. This bill provides an exemption for parents whose children are receiving home instruction. The Department estimates there would be a significant fiscal impact on the Bureau for Children and Families (BCF) if this bill were to be implemented. Based on certain assumptions described below, the estimated fiscal impact would be approximately $57 million (or $40 million state funds) the first year and $55 million (or $38.8 million state funds) each subsequent year. Based on available federal funding, the current ratio for these workers is approximately 70% state funding and 30% federal funding.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2013
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2014
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 57,352,625 55,547,707
Personal Services 0 52,714,854 52,714,854
Current Expenses 0 2,832,853 2,832,853
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 1,804,918 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


The bill does not specifically define habitual absence. For purposes of this fiscal note, we have assumed five (5) unexcused absences as the definition. The basis for this definition is the 5 day requirement included in WV Code 18-8-4 (2) (b) as the number of unexcused absences which trigger action by the attendance director. Based on this assumption, BCF would need to hire an additional 1,003 workers and supervisors and the fiscal impact would be approximately $ 57 million. This estimate includes personal service and benefit costs, equipment, and additional office space to house the new employees. Assumptions: Personal Services estimate is based on an average of the mid-range salary amounts for the following positions. Youth Service Worker ( Soc. Serv Worker 3)-$37,278; Child Protective Services Worker Trainee- $39,522; Child Protective Service Worker - $44,412. Supervisors are classified as Child Protective Service Supervisor - $49,920 and aides are classified as Office Assistant 3 - $29,178. Fringe Benefits are estimated at 30% of salary. Department of Education provided counts of children with 5 or more absences by county (total 110,034). The total children with 5 or more absences would average an approximate 12,226 referrals per month (110,034 / 9 mo.). The current ratio of cases per worker is 15. Therefore, the total estimated new caseworkers would be 815 (12,226 / 15 cases) plus 104 supervisors and 85 office staff to support the caseworkers. Equipment per additional worker is estimated at $1,800 which includes a computer ($1,200), a desk and chair ($400), and a phone ($200) per additional worker. For any county requiring 5 or more additional workers, estimated additional space added would be priced at 250 square feet per worker at a cost of $17 per square foot.



Memorandum






    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Rocco S. Fucillo
    Email Address: dhhrbudgetoffice@wv.gov