Bill > A05536

This bill aims to increase salaries for foster care direct care workers by providing additional funding through the foster care block grant for social service districts to pay voluntary foster care agencies during the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 rate years. The legislative findings highlight that direct care workers in the child welfare system were essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic but have not received enhanced compensation like other essential workers, and the agencies employing these workers have been historically underfunded. The bill appropriates $17 million from the state treasury to support salary increases for foster care agency employees, including direct care staff, caseworkers, case planners, and their supervisors. The goal is to stabilize the current high turnover and vacancy rates in the direct care workforce, which is expected to have a positive impact on children in the foster care system by ensuring more consistent and quality care. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5536