State awards Washington County $2.2 million for child care; board begins discussion of ABOD work placements

A county representative told the board that the state Office of Children and Family Services has allocated $2,195,130 to Washington County for federal fiscal year 2026–27, nearly double the prior year’s funding.

"Washington County will receive $2,195,130," the staff speaker said, and staff have already begun processing applications from a waitlist that opened March 12, 2025. The official said the allocation should eliminate the need to use county dollars to sustain the child‑care assistance program in the coming year and will allow the county to open new applications effective Oct. 1.

Separately, county social‑services staff introduced a preliminary discussion of ABODs (able‑bodied adults without dependents), the SNAP‑work‑requirement cohort for ages 18–64. Staff proposed exploring placements — county, township or municipal volunteer positions — that would enable qualifying residents to meet work or volunteer requirements without losing benefits. The staffer said the group involved is "in the hundreds," but said they would provide a more precise estimate after follow up.

Board members asked about documentation, supervision and liability for placements. The staff response: supervision and recordkeeping would be required and staff will return with recommended language and protocols for partnering with county departments and local nonprofits.

Why this matters: the state allocation changes the county’s child‑care funding outlook for 2026–27 and could expand access off the waiting list. The ABODs discussion could affect how the county helps SNAP recipients comply with work requirements without losing benefits.

What’s next: staff will provide a count estimate for ABOD‑eligible people, draft supervisory/documentation procedures and follow up with the board on implementation details.