New York S3146

“Bill S3146 sponsored by Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) establishes a statewide standard of no more than 15 cases per month per full-time child protective caseworker.

Senator Golden stated, “The recent death of Michael Guzman of Queens further highlights the need to place a limit on the number of cases assigned to a child protective service investigator. These caseworkers are charged with protecting our children and when they are overburdened, they cannot be as successful as we need them to be. Without a doubt, this legislation will keep our children safer and save lives.”

The state Office of Children and Family Services recommends a CPS caseload size of 12 active reports per month. However, average caseloads are higher in counties throughout the state; in Erie, Broome, Madison, and Sullivan counties, one-third of caseworkers have more than 12 cases a month, with some having more than 25; Oneida county caseworkers are averaging more than 25 cases per month; and almost half of the caseworkers in Schenectady County have caseloads exceeding 12 cases.

In New York City, reports indicate that CPS workers’ caseloads are rising. The recent tragic deaths of six-year-old Zymere Perkins in September 2016, three-year-old Jaden Jordan in December 2016, and five-year-old Michael Guzman this month further reinforces the importance of preventing caseworkers from being overburdened and unable to follow up on claims of abuse. While the bill passed both houses last year, the Governor vetoed the legislation in December.

Senate Passes Bills to Provide New Tools for Child Abuse Protection[NY Senate 1/24/17]

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