DE HB151

Creates a Deputy Secretary position within the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, with powers and duties assigned by the Secretary and exempt from the Merit System under Chapter 59.

Allows the Governor to appoint a Deputy Secretary and Division Directors when the Secretary position is vacant, with removal authority granted to the incoming Secretary upon appointment.

Removes the previous limit of 3 special investigators for the Department, allowing the Secretary to appoint any number of qualified special investigators to conduct child abuse and neglect investigations statewide.

Permits the Secretary or Secretary's designee (rather than only the Division Director) to direct special investigator activities related to child abuse, neglect, or maltreatment cases.

Makes technical corrections to conform existing statutory language to Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual standards.