The bulk of Georgia's welfare system will be turned over to private agencies under a bill that was passed Monday by a committee of state senators.
Senate Bill 350 would require the Division of Family and Children Services to contract out primary functions such as adoption, family preservation, independent living, foster care and case management. DFCS would still conduct investigations and handle claims of child abuse and neglect.
Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford, who sponsored the legislation, said private companies will be able to offer improved services and more local support to children and families in Georgia's child welfare system. Unterman and other sponsors said switching to private providers will likely end up costing more money, but they could not say how much.
Opponents say privatization will replace a part of the system that's not broken and usher in a new set of problems and expenses. They believe lawmakers should focus on improving the investigative process, which played a role in at least two recent high-profile deaths, including that of Emani Moss, a 10-year-old Gwinnett County child who was allegedly starved to death by her parents.
The bill, which now moves to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration on whether it will receive a floor vote, has support from Republican lawmakers including Gov. Nathan Deal, House Speaker David Ralston and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. Deal said talks continue with outside groups who have an interest in the legislation.
“There’s a middle ground that I think we can reach this year,” Deal said.
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