Department staff and local implementing agency (LIA) representatives described how state budget actions and a temporary agency spending freeze are affecting the Home Visiting Services Account (HVSA) fund balance, planned expansion awards, and a pilot procurement tied to opioid settlement funds (referred to in the meeting as “61‑09”).

Renee (DCYF staff) summarized the HVSA account trajectory: the department estimated a fund balance decline, and staff reported the account balance was about $1.9 million as of July 1, 2024, down from earlier projections. “We had projected earlier ... that our fund balance at the end of state fiscal year '24 would be 1.2. We didn't quite meet that 1.2, but, we got pretty close. We are at 1.9 as of 07/01/2024,” Renee said.

DCYF described two concurrent procurements tied to expansion and 61‑09:
- Expansion procurement: DCYF said it had $1.0 million legislatively allocated for expansion. A $250,000 start‑up set‑aside drew no responsive applications and was reallocated to the expansion pool, reducing the amount available for new awards. DCYF reported demand exceeded supply: reviewers saw roughly three times more requests than available dollars and planned to announce awards in early January, subject to the freeze and required exception approvals.
- 61‑09 procurement and training: DCYF reissued a formal solicitation for 61‑09 because contracts counsel determined the funding and slot structure required a more formal procurement path. DCYF said existing applicants must reapply in the new format; the agency set a compressed timeline with an application deadline in early January and warned that the protest period could delay contract execution. Nina (DCYF staff working on training) said the department had identified an apparent awardee for the training contract and hoped to begin trainings in March or April if the spending freeze and contracting exceptions permit.

DCYF staff emphasized risk and protections:
- Spending freeze: the governor’s hiring/travel/contracts freeze means most contracting and hiring is paused; DCYF said exceptions exist for client service contracts but still require internal approval.
- Underspend and sweep risk: staff warned that unspent one‑time funds are vulnerable to being swept if not committed or spent; an underspend can lead to the loss of dollars intended for expansion and supports.

DCYF urged LIAs to apply where appropriate and said the agency remained committed to avoiding abrupt service cuts for families; DCYF staff described intent to use attrition and migration strategies rather than abruptly terminating services if funding lines change. Local providers and advocates pressed for clarity on timelines and for planning support so agencies can decide whether to ramp up staffing or hold positions while funding remains uncertain.

Ending: DCYF said it will notify applicants about awards in January if the contracting exception and budget conditions permit and will keep HVAC informed on timing for contracts and training.