Governor Brad Little signed Senate Bill 1208 into law, allocating $23.2 million to the Department of Health and Welfare in Idaho to improve foster care services. The bill aims to provide more support to foster families and children, with a goal of having a 1-to-1 ratio of 100 foster families for every 100 kids by January 2026. The Department of Health and Welfare is even aiming for 150 families per 100 kids to ensure the best match for each child’s needs.
The funding will be used for prevention services, support for families and children in high-level care, intensive support for foster families with youth facing emotional and mental health challenges, and a 24/7 support line for foster parents. The bill also includes the addition of 63 new full-time positions to help achieve these goals.
Local nonprofit, Foster and Heart’s founder, Kate Wilson, who has fostered 91 children over the past seven years, expressed excitement about the increased investment in child welfare and the potential for more foster families to provide homes for vulnerable children. The changes in funding and positions are set to take effect on July 1, with the aim of improving the foster care system in Idaho and providing better support for children in need.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
