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JFAC approves funding to extend foster care support to age 23 after law change
Summary
Following enactment of a law extending foster care support from age 21 to 23, the committee approved $420,500 in ongoing funds (state and federal) to cover extended foster payments beginning FY2026.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved a trailer appropriation to implement changes in state law that allow young people who were in foster care before age 18 to remain with foster families and receive state support until age 23.
House Bill 245, which changed the extended foster care age from 21 to 23, was signed by the governor on March 21. Alex Williamson, a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services, told the committee the fiscal impact is an ongoing $420,500 for the Foster and Assistance Payment program within the Department of Health and Welfare — $222,900 from the general fund and $197,600 in federal funds.
Context: Supporters urged the committee to consider a return-on-investment approach, citing research and costs associated with homelessness, incarceration and other outcomes for youth who age out of foster care without stable support. Senator Berke said keeping young people in care “gives them that launchpad to give them a hand up and help them to enter into the world.”
The motion to appropriate the $420,500 passed by roll call. Lawmakers said they expect the appropriation to support about 90 young people who will be eligible under the expanded age threshold.
Ending: The appropriation implements the new statutory entitlement and will become part of ongoing Department of Health and Welfare spending for foster care payments.
