Indy Standard

State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray has sponsored Senate Bill 498 to address the shortage of child services workers at the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS). The bill aims to address the current labor shortage while focusing on child safety and well-being.

The DCS reported 1,325 vacant positions as of 2024, with 130 of those vacancies in casework supervisors. Senate Bill 498 proposes the removal of the graduate training requirement for casework supervisor qualifications to create more flexibility. The bill also allows individuals to qualify for supervisor positions with eight credit hours of master's-level courses in specified fields.

"These changes would make it easier for qualified individuals to advance into these important roles, allowing us to better serve the needs of our most vulnerable Hoosiers," said Rep. Rowray. "I'm honored to work with colleagues and sponsor this bill, which will help ensure that our child services professionals have the tools and staff they need to provide support to children and families."

The bill would also remove the maximum stay period for children at group homes, allowing DCS to issue waivers in certain cases. Additionally, it eliminates the minimum age for the "emergency shelter" definition and removes certain references related to health records and medications.

Currently, Indiana law allows DCS to issue a waiver for children six years and older to stay at an emergency shelter for up to 20 days.

Rep. Rowray indicated that the bill could lead to more casework supervisors by easing education and experience requirements, resulting in more career opportunities and support for at-risk children.

Senate Bill 498 has passed both the House and Senate and awaits the governor's approval. For further details, visit iga.in.gov.