Page 23 - This Year in Albany 2025

Social Services (Continued)
Caseload Caps for Foster Care Caseworkers
S.6753 (Brisport) / A.7596 (Rivera)
CSEA Position: Support
This legislation caps caseloads for foster caseworkers at no
more than 16 cases per month. This cap will improve outcomes
for children in foster care and strengthen New York’s child
welfare system.
Caseload Caps for Adult Protective Services Caseworkers
S.2396 (Persaud) / A.4035 (Eachus)
CSEA Position: Support
This legislation caps caseloads for Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworkers at no more than 30
total cases per month. These caps will protect at-risk adults by ensuring that APS workers have
the time to conduct thorough investigations and intervene before situations escalate.
Panic Buttons for Social Services Employees
S.6987 (Harckham) / A.7833 (Levenberg)
CSEA Position: Support
This bill requires local social services districts to provide ‘panic buttons’ to social workers who
interact with clients in external settings. When pressed, the panic buttons will contact 9-1-1 and
provide first responders with the exact location of the employee. This bill would ensure that social
workers are able to contact emergency services when they are in dangerous situations.
Increasing Penalties for Assaulting a CPS Worker
S.6986 (Harckham) / A.7831 (Levenberg)
CSEA Position: Support
This bill increases criminal penalties for assaulting a Child Protective Services (CPS) worker. CPS
workers face a non-fatal workplace injury rate five times the rate of all U.S. workers. These
workers are often required to conduct home visits alone, where hostile clients may react
aggressively to investigations. Increasing penalties for assaulting these workers will deter future
violence and help ensure CPS employees can go to work without fear of being assaulted or killed.