Bill > A07596

This bill amends the New York State Social Services Law to limit the number of cases a foster care worker can supervise at any given time to 16 cases. Currently, there is no explicit legal restriction on the maximum number of cases a child welfare professional can handle simultaneously. By adding language to section 409-g of the social services law, the bill aims to prevent foster care workers from becoming overwhelmed by an excessive caseload, which could potentially compromise the quality of care and support provided to children in the foster care system. The new provision will take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law, giving child welfare agencies time to adjust their staffing and case assignment practices to comply with the new 16-case maximum. This legislative change appears designed to improve the effectiveness of foster care services by ensuring that workers have a manageable number of cases, which could lead to more individualized attention and better outcomes for children in the foster care system.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7596