WHEREAS:

Official reports of child abuse have risen 223% over the last 12 years and an estimated 5,000 children died of abuse last year; and

WHEREAS:

Despite the dramatic increase in child abuse, the federal government has failed to adequately address the problem and has not increased funding for child welfare programs. In fact, federal funding for foster care and child protective services actually declined over the last two years; and

WHEREAS:

Thousands of AFSCME caseworkers who work in foster care and child welfare services are unable to ensure the safety of these children because they face crushing caseloads and inadequate support services in a system that is critically overburdened and underfunded.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME urge federal, state and county officials to make a strong commitment to protecting children who have been abused or neglected, through increased funding for child welfare services including foster care and child protective services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue its efforts to reach out to other child advocacy groups and professional organizations at the federal and local levels in order to form coalitions to promote adequate funding and the provision of quality services to abused and neglected children including the establishment of reasonable caseload sizes and adequate staffing levels; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME strongly oppose any efforts to scapegoat the workers for a system that is totally overwhelmed — including criminal or civil charges against caseworkers unable to prevent the death or abuse of children in their caseload because of their workload and that the International provide support to councils and locals who face such situations.

SUBMITTED BY:

Steve Culen, Delegate and Executive Director
Council 31
Springfield, Illinois

John Birnel, President
Cecilia Saari, Recording Secretary
AFSCME Local 843, Council 28
Seattle, Washington