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Rutherford County DSS reports rising foster-care caseloads and budget pressure; staff flag possible amendment
Summary
Officials told the board that foster-care placements and out-of-county placements have driven program spending over budget and that state reimbursements cover about half of eligible costs; staff said they may seek a budget amendment to cover shortfalls.
Rutherford County Department of Social Services staff told the board Oct. 30 that foster-care costs are placing pressure on program budgets and may require a formal amendment.
Finance staff reported that state foster-care spending had already reached 72% of the allocated budget for the relevant line item through the four months ending Oct. 31, and noted that many children are placed outside the county because local foster homes are at capacity — a practice that increases boarding costs and travel time for staff. "We've already spent 72% of our budget in state foster care," the finance staff member said.
Staff explained reimbursement mechanics: the state reimburses roughly 50% of certain foster-care and kinship payments, which reduces but does not eliminate county exposure. The board discussed that kinship care sometimes receives different payment levels and that kinship placements not under county custody may not appear in the same caseload totals.
Director Erika Hunt reviewed personnel and comp-time figures that affect workload: she said the child-protective-services comp-time balance for the most recent month was 188 hours and 54 minutes, and board members noted that experienced workers typically carry heavier caseloads until new hires complete preservice training.
The county also noted longer-term support: Hunt said Rutherford was selected for a collaboratory research project through UNC Chapel Hill that includes a funding pool intended to help study departmental issues — including foster care — and that the county will participate in selecting a research team.
What’s next: Finance staff flagged a likely budget amendment for the state foster-care line and said they would return with amendment proposals and supporting documentation. The board did not take a formal budget vote at the meeting.
