AUSTIN-State child welfare officials are considering increasing pay for top managers to at least $100,000 at a time of severe turnover problems with caseworkers who receive modest pay and heavy workloads.
The Austin American-Statesman obtained a confidential Child Protective Services document showing officials are recommending that salaries for CPS' 10 regional directors top out at $142,000. The memo says the directors perform "highly advanced managerial work."
CPS is regularly criticized for low pay for caseworkers who in many instances are contending with soaring caseloads. An entry-level caseworker earns about $33,000.
The Dallas Morning News has previously reported that a backlog of cases in the Dallas area is resulting in investigators missing deadlines for visiting children.
A CPS spokesman says the pay increases are only a consideration at this point.