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