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Committee hears $14 million child‑welfare supplemental; director outlines prevention push and foster‑family recruitment
Summary
The Department of Health and Welfare described a $14 million supplemental for foster care cost overruns in fiscal 2025 and proposed prevention investments and recruitment efforts meant to reduce reliance on congregate care and lower long‑term costs.
BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee on Feb. 10 heard detailed testimony about rising costs in child welfare and a $14 million supplemental the Department of Health and Welfare is requesting for fiscal 2025.
Director Alex Adams told the committee the supplemental responds to cost overruns in the current year caused by higher acuity among children in state custody, rising mental‑health and substance‑use needs, and a lack of community‑based placement options. “Child welfare is an entitlement program. If a child is committed to the custody of the department, we have a legal obligation to pay for their care,” Adams said.
Adams and budget analyst Alex Williamson said the department has seen escalations in supplemental requests over recent years and is seeking upfront investments in fiscal 2026…
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