VETOES

In particular, the Department has serious concerns regarding the
caseload ratio for foster care staff. The consent decree
requires caseworkers to have an "average" caseload of no more
than 20 children. In contrast, SB 847 requires a "maximum"
caseload not to exceed 20 children per caseworker. By requiring
a "maximum" caseload ratio of 1:20 fails to recognize that in
certain circumstances a caseworker may need to have a caseload of
more than 20 children on a given day. Moreover, it is estimated
that this maximum cap will cost the State an additional $1.6
million, which is a fiscal implication of concern to the
Department of Budget and Fiscal Planning as well.

The State has already committed $13 million in fiscal year 1989
for improvements in the foster care system, including the
creation of 38 new positions, rate increases for foster parents,
preventive and support services for foster families, and expanded
specialized and emergency foster care beds. Additional funding
is expected in fiscal year 1990 to continue the rate
restructuring phase-in, maintain the "average" caseload of 1:20,
and provide other foster care enhancements.

I share the sponsors' concerns for the quality of care given to
children who are entrusted in the State's charge and, therefore,
am directing Secretary Massinga to work with the sponsors this
interim to develop policy goals for the protection of all
children in foster care. These goals should include provisions
to assure appropriate and continuing health care for foster care
children, assure proper reporting and investigation of suspected
cases of child abuse or neglect in foster homes, provide adequate
training for foster care providers, and establish minimum
expectations for caseworker visits with foster care children.

I believe that the Department, working cooperatively with the
sponsors, can accomplish the intent of Senate Bill 847, but at
the same time avoid the problems associated with the bill.

For the above reasons, I have decided to veto Senate Bill 847.

Sincerely,

William Donald Schaefer

Governor

Senate Bill No. 847

AN ACT concerning

Foster Care - Child Welfare and Protection

FOR the purpose of requiring certain reports of suspected child
abuse or neglect of a child in foster care to be sent to the

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