JFAC approves $14.1M supplemental and $21.2M FY2026 package for child welfare; committee adopts transfer exemptions and performance language

The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee approved a fiscal‑year 2025 supplemental of $14,126,900 for the Division of Youth Safety and Permanency (child welfare) and later approved a FY2026 enhancement package that adds staff and program funding to expand prevention, licensing and foster‑care supports.

Supplemental: Alex Williamson, budget and policy analyst, said the supplemental is a population forecast adjustment to cover trustee and benefit payment shortages in FY2025 caused by congregate care costs. Senator Nicole Wintrow moved the supplemental, describing the caseload as complex and costly; the motion provided $8,868,200 from the General Fund and $5,258,700 in federal funds for a total of $14,126,900. The committee passed the supplemental with a combined tally of 18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent; it carries a due‑pass recommendation.

Transfer exemption language: the committee adopted language that exempts the Division of Youth Safety and Permanency from the Department of Health and Welfare’s transfer limitations for FY2025 and FY2026, allowing the division to move personnel and trustee/benefit payments across categories as permitted by the cited provision (on‑screen citation: “section 60 seven‑thirty five‑eleven”). Committee members said adoption reflects increased trust in agency management; the item was approved by unanimous consent.

FY2026 enhancements and performance tie: the committee considered a larger FY2026 package for the division. Alex Williamson summarized the department’s enhancement requests, including prevention specialist teams, foster program clinical staff, and licensing staff. Representative Tanner moved a FY2026 package that added 63 full‑time equivalents and requested $13,774,600 from the General Fund and $7,471,100 in federal funds for a total of $21,245,700. The motion passed with a combined vote of 18 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent and will carry a due‑pass recommendation.

The committee also adopted language that ties eight of the new foster licensing positions to a targeted outcome: a one‑to‑one ratio of foster families to foster children by Jan. 1, 2026, with status updates and reporting (a preliminary report by Sept. 15). During discussion Representative Tanner said prevention services cost “$1.80 a day,” while congregate care averages “$380 a day,” figures cited by committee members in support of prevention and family‑based services.

Ending: The committee combined short‑term supplemental funding with a larger FY2026 staffing and program package and attached transfer exemptions and performance expectations. All items passed committee and were sent forward with due‑pass recommendations.