Gov. Nathan Deal on Wednesday approved the hiring of 100 new child protective service workers to handle an influx of cases after the state opened a centralized around-the-clock call intake center.
The governor said there’s been a 63 percent increase in the number of investigations and family support cases since the center was established. The additional 100 workers will join 175 already included in this year’s budget.
“No child welfare case should ever lack the attention it so greatly deserves,” said Deal, who said the extra personnel will help the department reach a ratio of 15 cases for each worker.
The cost would involve an estimated $4.3 million in state funds, as well as federal funds that are yet undetermined. The state funding would be included in the governor’s amended budget next year.
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