Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Out Of Home Care topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee flags rising out‑of‑home care costs, urges realistic budgeting and foster‑home recruitment
Summary
Human Services staff presented a 10‑year Out of Home Care chart showing rising costs despite stable placement counts; members urged budgeting using recent averages and noted a state‑wide shortage of foster homes.
Staff presented a 10‑year Out of Home Care (OHC) cost chart showing that placement counts have remained roughly steady while per‑case and overall costs have increased. Ms. Heidi Chavez asked the committee how to budget OHC costs going forward as expenses rise; Mr. Ted Cushing advised "budget realistically," and Mr. Dan Hess recommended a three‑year average beginning in 2024.
Ms. Beth Hoerchler said fewer children are currently in Residential Care Centers (RCC) and emphasized the county needs more foster homes. She noted regional managers meet about the foster care program and that a state shortage of foster homes persists. Chair Jensen said he would forward the budget number concerns to the Executive Committee chair for follow‑up.
