California Alliance Responds to Governor’s Proposed Budget, Highlighting Urgent Needs for Foster Youth and Families

Sacramento, Calif —The Governor's proposed budget released today preserves key safety net programs serving foster youth and families across California, which is an important step in maintaining stability. However, we recognize that current investments in the child welfare system are insufficient to meet the needs of foster youth, many of whom have experienced trauma, homelessness, and exploitation.

In California, there are about 9700 foster youth at risk of losing their family placement this year if the state does not take action to financially address the insurance crisis that may lead Foster Family Agencies (FFAs) to close their doors. FFAs help support the Governor's initiatives to support family reunification, and when that is not an option, helping to recruit, train and support foster parents. The insurance crisis, coupled with unsustainable payment rates, puts at risk the entire network of community-based non-profits supporting family placements, trauma recovery, and mental health for our foster children & youth.

Non-profit organizations, deeply rooted in California’s communities, are the backbone of California’s child welfare and behavioral health systems and are essential partners in delivering on the Administration’s goals to strengthen the network of resource families and address the youth mental health crisis. As budget process unfolds, CACFS will work closely with the Administration and legislature to stabilize and strengthen the services that keep children safe, help them heal, and enable families to thrive.