DHS warns of $44 million foster-care shortfall, highlights disaster SNAP, QRTP pilot and CASA funding need

Candace Bross, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services and director of the Division of Family and Children Services, told the House Appropriations subcommittee that DFACS supports the governor's amended recommendations but is asking lawmakers to cover a $44 million shortfall in state funds to meet out‑of‑home foster‑care obligations.

Why it matters: Bross said the shortfall stems from rising numbers of children entering custody and higher costs for children with more complex needs. If federal funding sources cannot be used to cover those costs, DFACS said it will require additional state dollars to meet court‑ordered care, maintain provider capacity and avoid placing children in inappropriate settings.

DFACS estimated that the current AFY 2025 shortfall is about $44,000,000 in state funds after updated quarterly projections. Bross told the committee that the agency does not have discretion to deny court‑ordered placements or to reduce required services for children; doing so would risk child safety and possible legal consequences. She said federal sources such as Medicaid and Title IV‑E remain important but are constrained by eligibility formulas, recent federal policy changes and statutory limits on using IV‑E for congregate/group home placements beyond 14 days unless a facility meets federal exceptions (for example, a Qualified Residential Treatment Program).

Key program items and figures presented by…