Harris County resources for children and adults outlines cuts after federal and state funding drops

Harris County Resources for Children and Adults Director Joel Levine said the department will accept budget offsets for fiscal 2026 that reduce staff and program supports but preserve frontline services.

Levine told commissioners the department recently opened the Hay Center Campus, a 50‑apartment housing campus for youth aging out of foster care, and is preparing for statewide changes that include community‑based care and implementation of House Bill 3186, a diversion law for fine‑only youth offenses. “We just recently opened our Hay Center Campus for youth and young adults aging out of foster care and former foster youth with the 50 apartments,” Levine said.

Levine said the department received about $3.2 million in requested offsets — roughly 10% of its general fund budget — and described how those reductions will be handled. To absorb cuts the department plans to shift some guardianship case‑management roles to a guardianship special revenue fund, eliminate clothing vouchers and cut a currently vacant executive assistant position. Levine said the clothing vouchers accounted for roughly $450,000 and that the department’s personnel costs make up the bulk of its budget.

The director warned that a hiring freeze or broader cuts would strain direct services that already face high caseloads. He said guardianship caseworkers currently carry an average caseload of 29 clients; the department’s operational target is about 20 and the National Guardianship Association recommends about 14. Levine explained that pushing caseloads higher — to 30 or more — would create “almost unmanageable” workloads and could trigger state reporting requirements if public standards are exceeded.

Levine also outlined service priorities if additional offsets are offered in trade for preserving specific program improvements: a coordinator to implement House Bill 3186 diversion work, a psychologist for the clinic, a teacher for the emergency shelter and additional supports for the Hay Center’s preparation for adult living (life‑skills and case management).

The department said 279 of roughly 400 employees received the $2,500 increase authorized this year. Levine noted a continuing concern about pay competitiveness: “We are one of the lower paid departments,” he said, and urged that the county’s equity study consider the department early in any salary adjustments.

Levine and commissioners also discussed the Harris Resources Foundation and the Hay Center Foundation, which raise private funds used for summer programming, academic coaching and employee wellness events. Levine said the foundations are planning friendraisers and fundraisers to supplement county and grant dollars.

The county’s funding picture remains uncertain because federal and state grants that sustain youth and transition programs have declined; Levine said Chafee pass‑through funds used for preparation for adult living have been reduced statewide and the department has already absorbed cuts to those allocations.

Looking ahead, Levine asked the court to prioritize staff retention and targeted offsets that preserve case management for vulnerable wards and services tied to newly adopted state diversion requirements.

Ending: Levine closed by thanking court staff and reiterating that the department serves “vulnerable children and youth of Harris County” through 19 programs across the lifespan and asked commissioners to weigh equity and retention in future salary decisions.