NCJ Number
106903
Date Published
1984
Length
188 pages
Annotation
Testimony before New Jersey's Assembly Legislative Oversight Committee pertains to the resources, working conditions, and caseload sizes in child abuse cases handled by the Division of Youth and Family Services.
Abstract
Testimony by the commissioner of the Department of Human Services argues for more funding to increase the number of caseworkers for handling child abuse, since existing caseloads are too high to provide for effective casework. Testimony by representatives of the Communication Workers of America, which is the union representing Division of Youth and Family Services caseworkers, indicates that caseworkers are overburdened and often harassed by division management as scapegoats for division failures. Testimony also encompasses the division's vulnerability to litigation for inadequate services. Overall, the testimony recommends increased funding for more personnel and personnel training as well as increased divisional accountability for the implementation of policy. Statements are appended.