FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 23, 2015 Time Requested: 12:35 PM |
Agency: |
Health and Human Resources, Department of |
CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
1676 |
INTRODUCED |
HB2264 |
|
CBD Subject: |
Human Services |
---|
|
FUND(S):
0403- General Administrative Fund, 8722 Federal General Administrative Funds
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 provide a bill of rights for foster parents.
The Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Children and Families policy currently covers the majority of the rights indicated in the bill. There are potential fiscal costs associated with the Foster Parents' right to have staff available 24/7 for assistance, this cost is estimated at $4,196,691 per year, all of which is state funding.
Fiscal Note Detail
Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2015 Increase/Decrease (use"-") |
2016 Increase/Decrease (use"-") |
Fiscal Year (Upon Full Implementation) |
1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
4,196,691 |
4,196,691 |
Personal Services |
0 |
4,196,691 |
4,196,691 |
Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
The Department would need to add additional employees to accommodate a 24/7 contact line for the 4800 children in foster care. It is estimated that the Department would need to double the current staff operating the emergency hotline to accommodate. This would include 30 Social Worker III positions ($3,522,771) and 7 Child Protective Service Supervisors ($673,920) as the worker to supervisor ratio for CPS is 4 to 1. Total personal service cost is estimated at $4,196,691.
Memorandum
Policy currently gives foster parents the expectation of confidentiality, information on the child's background and history, support and training from Department staff, to be informed of their rights and responsibilities.
The right to fair compensation is subjective and there are no guidelines set in which to define fair compensation.
West Virginia currently has approximately 4,800 children in foster care. At any given time the Department has between 700 to 800 children placed in foster homes. Currently, the Department operates a 24/7 hotline for Child Protective Services - emergencies only.
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Karen L. Bowling
Email Address: karen.l.bowling@wv.gov