Warren County says $171,000 in additional state childcare funds will help clear wait list; youth bureau to seek governor's council representative

County youth bureau staff told the Warren County Human Services Committee that state actions could reduce the local childcare wait list and that the county will solicit a youth representative for the New York State Governor’s Youth Council.

Sue, the County Youth Bureau representative, said the portal to apply for the governor’s youth council opens in March and that the current youth council member’s term will expire in March; she said Jack Sweet is currently representing Warren County. Sue said the bureau will send information to schools so potential candidates can apply.

On childcare, Sue said the department is reviewing about 90 cases on its wait list using federal priorities and that the state on Feb. 17 issued guidance and provided an additional $171,000 to cover fiscal year 2025 expenses. She said the state is still finalizing FY26‑27 supplemental amounts and the county hopes any increases will allow it to pull more families from the wait list. Sue added the bureau recently completed a lifeguarding class with roughly 15 recertifications and "2 or 3, maybe 4" Warren County youth who completed the full course, and another class is scheduled in April.

Why it matters: Additional state allocations would let the county serve more families currently waiting for childcare assistance; identifying a youth representative for the governor’s council offers youth a seat at a statewide advisory table. The department said it will update the committee when allocations are finalized.