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JFAC funds $14.1 million supplemental for foster care trustee and benefit shortfall
Summary
The committee approved a $14,126,900 supplemental to cover foster care trustee and benefit payment shortfalls arising from congregate care costs in FY2025.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 14 approved a fiscal year 2025 supplemental of $14,126,900 for the Department of Health and Welfare’s Division of Youth Safety and Permanency to address projected shortfalls in trustee and benefit payments driven by congregate care costs.
Budget analyst Alex Williamson explained the supplemental responds to a higher-than-expected foster care population and congregate care spending for complex cases. The supplemental allocates $8,868,200 from the General Fund and $5,258,700 from federal funds. Senator Wintrow, who moved the motion, highlighted the high per-day cost of congregate care and the department’s efforts to move youth into less costly placements and prevention services.
Senators and representatives on the work group noted the difficulty of serving complex cases (for example, youth with developmental or behavioral needs) and emphasized long-term prevention as a cost-reduction strategy. Representative Furness said the initial request was $24 million and the working group reduced it through negotiation.
The roll call recorded Senate 9 ayes, 1 nay; House 9 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent (combined 18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent). The motion has a due-pass recommendation.
