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Committee reviews bill to separate child‑removal investigators from reunification workers
Summary
Sen. Dennis Lenz told the House Human Services committee SB 206 would prevent the same worker from both removing a child and leading reunification work; Child and Family Services staff said urban offices already separate roles while rural areas rely on cross‑assignment and can reassign workers if conflicts arise.
Sen. Dennis Lenz introduced Senate Bill 206 to the House Human Services committee, saying it would create a clear line between child protection investigators who remove children and child reunification specialists who work to reunify families.
The sponsor, Senator Dennis Lenz, said the bill aims to reduce resentment families sometimes feel toward the worker who removed a child by ensuring a different worker handles reunification whenever practicable, while preserving flexibility for sparsely populated counties.
Nikki Grossberg, division administrator for Child and Family Services, appeared as an informational witness and told the committee that larger jurisdictions already operate with separate investigators and reunification workers. She said the department amended the draft to accommodate rural communities where staffing makes strict separation impractical and that workers receive the same initial training; some reunification workers receive additional legal training from county attorneys.
Committee members asked whether counties would have procedures to address families that distrust the removing worker and whether the department could reassign the reunification role. Grossberg said consistent family engagement training is required; when engagement fails and a conflict persists, county attorneys and the department can reassign workers.
Senator Lenz closed by saying the change could be built upon over time to strengthen both roles. The committee took no formal action on the bill during the hearing; members were asked to consider carrying the bill if it moves forward.
