Idaho Gov. Brad Little kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session on Monday, Jan. 6, addressing lawmakers in a State of the State address and making a budget recommendation that lawmakers will consider as they set the state’s next fiscal blueprint.
Among the good news for Idaho children and families is that the Governor’s recommendation adds $9.6 million to support prevention and transformation efforts in Idaho’s foster care system. If funded, this would be the largest ongoing increase in support for child welfare in state history. Most importantly, it has the prospect of positively changing the trajectory of the lives of some of Idaho’s most vulnerable children.
The Governor’s office and Division of Financial Management worked closely with the Department of Health and Welfare to calibrate a $9.6 million package to help the department’s goal of doubling the rate of foster families by June 2026. To be sure, the department has made great progress toward that goal, growing the number of foster families per 100 kids from 74 to 94 in just seven short months.
The department has succeeded so far by reorganizing the department leadership team and program structure to create more oversight and support, streamlining department policies and rules, initiating new community partnerships, and more.
The budget request will augment these efforts by providing funds to build out a prevention team, lower caseloads, raise foster family pay rates, and take other actions that will get the department closer to achieving its goal.
Gov. Little’s proposed investment in child welfare marks a pivotal moment for Idaho’s foster care system, offering a clear path toward meaningful transformation.
By focusing on prevention, increasing support for foster families, and addressing systemic challenges like high caseloads, Idaho has a unique opportunity to enact lasting change. Idaho’s children and families are counting on this investment to not only meet current needs but to build a brighter, more stable future.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
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