Despite shrinking funds and a $4.4 billion state deficit, the proposed OCFS 2008/2009 FY budget not only maintains programs but also proposes a large increase in child welfare spending to fund "unprecedented increases for uncapped, entitlement funding at a 65 percent State share for Child Protective Services, Preventive Services, Independent Living, Aftercare Services, and Adoption Services." OCFS and the Governor's office are to be commended for their thoughtful work on this budget and for maintaining their commitment to improved services for kids and families. Specific proposals include:
• Extending Medicaid coverage for foster children up to age 21. (Presently the limit is age 18.)
• Providing a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) increase to foster care providers and foster and adoptive parents. COLA would extend for three years.
• Funding 610 slots in the new Bridges to Health program that provides services to foster children that continue whether the child goes back home or is adopted.
Keep in mind that this is OCFS's proposed budget. It is part of the full state budget that the Governor presented to the legislature today. Once the legislature gets the budget, the Governor will need the strong support of child advocates to be sure the proposed increases for child and family spending remain in place.
The Commissioner said today that closing previously announced juvenile justice facilities will result in a $12 million savings that OCFS wants to reinvest in various juvenile justice program improvements, one of the Commissioner's priorities.
Also, we were happy to learn today that the TANF funding for preventive services, including post adoption services, is in the Governor's proposed budget, so that funding for the existing post adoption services projects can continue for another year. These projects are available in limited locations and only to families that meet the income guidelines (less that 200% of the federal poverty limit). To expand post adoption services to all families and in every county, it is up to local advocates to make a strong case! Contact NYSCCC for further information. To learn more about see the OCFS budget summary below.
NYS OCFS FY-2008-2009 Proposed Budget Highlights
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NYS Citizens' Coalition for Children, Inc.
410 East Upland Road • Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-0034 • fax (607) 272-0035
office@nysccc.org
01/31/2008