Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Welfare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Seneca County approves $250,000 transfer to cover rising child placement costs
Summary
After a presentation from Job & Family Services about sharply higher placement costs and gaps in federal reimbursement, the Seneca County Board of Commissioners voted to transfer $250,000 from county funds to cover end‑of‑year placement obligations and avoid service interruptions.
Job & Family Services Director Lauren told the Seneca County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 23 that placement costs for children in the county’s care have risen sharply and are stressing the department’s budget. "I am here to request approval and funding support in amount of $250,000 to help us with our placement cost," she said.
Lauren said the county currently has 27 children in care, 15 of whom are not 4E (federal) eligible. That mix, she said, left the county covering roughly $140,479 for non‑4E placements in November alone. She described placements for children with severe behavioral needs ranging from about $750 to $1,500 per day, and said a recent non‑4E placement cost the county more than $31,000 for a single child in November.
Lauren also described steps JFS has taken to limit future costs: hiring a trainer to ensure paperwork is completed on time to maximize federal 4E eligibility, holding monthly "kids in care" meetings that review each placement, and pursuing greater coordination with judges, schools and mental‑health partners.
Commissioner Frankert moved to transfer $250,000 to placement costs as a supplemental appropriation; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The roll call recorded "Yes" votes from Commissioner Bostecker, Commissioner Frankert and Commissioner Paradiso.
County officials said the transfer is intended to balance 2025 year‑end accounts and prevent service interruptions while the board monitors placement trends and longer‑term budget needs. Commissioners asked JFS to provide monthly, nonidentifying fiscal summaries at future "kids in care" meetings to increase transparency and enable earlier intervention.
The transfer takes effect immediately as a supplemental appropriation; commissioners said they have budgeted additional funding for next year and will continue to evaluate whether further steps are required.
