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Subcommittee hearing highlights foster care shortfalls, hospital overstays and DHS data gaps
Summary
The Health and Social Services Subcommittee reviewed DLS findings showing foster care shortfalls and increased hospital admissions for youth in care, pressed DHS for missing reports and data, and received DHS commitments to provide follow-up and adjusted deadlines for some deliverables.
The Health and Social Services Subcommittee on Appropriations examined the Department of Human Services’ Social Services Administration budget and several data gaps on Feb. 25 during a virtual hearing.
The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) told the subcommittee the SSA allowance rises by $25.4 million (3.1%) to $841.8 million but flagged projected foster care shortfalls and reporting inconsistencies. DLS estimated an $18.6 million shortfall in fiscal 2026 and $17.4 million in fiscal 2027 for foster care maintenance payments and recommended restricting specified general funds pending submission of several reports, including monthly child welfare data and a Medicaid state plan amendment (SPA) if submitted.
DLS also…
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