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Senators press DCFS on hiring, foster care support and proposed summer EBT expansion
Summary
The Department of Children & Family Services briefed the committee on FY26 needs including requests for child welfare staff, paralegals, and funding for summer EBT; senators pressed for detail on overtime, caseloads and carryforward items tied to child welfare services.
The Senate Budget Committee reviewed the Department of Children and Family Services's FY26 recommended budget on March 18, focusing on staffing, foster care payments and a summer food benefit expansion.
What the presentation covered: Senate Fiscal Services summarized the department's budget categories and highlighted large other‑charge expenditures — primarily child welfare services, restricted‑care placements and federal benefit initiatives. The department reported that federal funds constitute about two‑thirds of the agency's recommended financing while state general fund makes up roughly 30%.
Staffing, hiring pipeline and vacancies: Senators heard that DCFS is authorized for multiple…
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