Georgia SB 138

“The state Senate overwhelmingly passed legislation last week to institute reforms in the child welfare system. The bill follows recommendations from Gov. Nathan Deal’s Child Welfare Reform Council.

Under the proposal, the state Division of Family and Children Services director would directly report to the governor. Senate Bill 138 also would create a state DFCS advisory board and a centralized child abuse registry.

Seemingly always under pressure, DFCS faces the twin burdens of high case loads and stagnant pay.

The fallout resulting from deaths of children in recent cases investigated by DFCS helped spark the hiring of more caseworkers and Deal’s creation of the council to review the child welfare system.

“The Child Welfare Reform bill will sustain the highest level of priority for children and families in care by putting DFCS under the direct oversight of the governor and an advisory board of professionals and community advocates,” said Pat Willis, executive director of Voices for Georgia’s Children.

“Just as importantly, the newly created Child Abuse Registry offers greater opportunities for our service providers to avoid hiring someone who has been convicted of abuse or neglect,” added Willis. “It’s a very important step toward the safest possible environments for children.””

Senate passes bill to reform DFCS[Online Athens 3/16/15 by Andy Miller]

REFORM Puzzle Piece