Connecticut Senate Bill SB00321

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Respite Care Expenditures By The Department Of Children And Families.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to have a significant impact on state regulations surrounding child welfare. By mandating public reporting of respite care expenditures, the bill intends to create accountability for the Department of Children and Families. Improved transparency may also foster trust among stakeholders, including families relying on respite care services, as they will have access to detailed financial information. This could lead to informed discussions and advocacy around the allocation of funding for such essential programs.

Summary

SB00321, also known as the Act Concerning Respite Care Expenditures by the Department of Children and Families, seeks to enhance transparency regarding how the Department allocates and spends funds related to respite care. Specifically, the bill proposes that all individual respite care expenditures be made publicly accessible on the department's website. This move aims to provide parents, caregivers, and the general public with better insight into the financial resources dedicated to respite care services.

Contention

While the bill aims to promote accountability and transparency, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Some stakeholders might argue that posting detailed expenditures could lead to privacy concerns for families receiving respite care services. Additionally, there may be discussions about the administrative burden this requirement could place on the department and whether it diverts attention from direct service provision. Balancing the need for transparency with the concerns for privacy and operational efficiency could be a critical challenge in the debate surrounding SB00321.