DHW took tough action this week to ensure that the costs of the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) do not exceed available funding for the current and upcoming fiscal years.

The ICCP provides child care assistance to working families by paying for a portion of child care. The parent’s share is based on the size of the family and the amount of the family’s income. By helping Idaho low-income families with child care, parents can work, complete job training, or finish school. 

The program is projected to be over-budget, and DHW is taking measures to correct that.

What is DHW doing?

To bring the the Idaho Child Care Program in line with its Legislature-approved budget and to avoid budget shortfalls going forward, DHW is taking several actions.  

• Starting Thursday, Aug. 22, DHW is temporarily pausing new enrollment into the ICCP program. 
  • Benefits for current ICCP families are not affected by the enrollment pause and will continue as long as a family meets eligibility criteria. 
  • During the temporary pause, DHW is not enrolling new children in the program, with the exception of the following vulnerable populations: families experiencing homelessness, families caring for a child with a disability, foster families, families receiving Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI), and families receiving preventative services through Child Welfare. If a new child is added to a current ICCP household, they can be enrolled in ICCP as long the household continues to meet the eligibility criteria and benefits are active.
• DHW is also delaying the implementation of increased reimbursement rates to child care providers until July 1, 2025 and will be adjusting the reimbursement rate percentile that DHW pays child care providers.
• Finally, DHW will be recovering administrative costs from ICCP-related contracts

When the temporary enrollment pause ends, eligibility thresholds to qualify for ICCP benefits will be modified. This will apply to new enrollees in the program. Existing enrollees will be subject to the new eligibility thresholds when re-evaluated (which occurs annually). For those determined ineligible, a yet-to-be-determined phase-out plan will occur.

Why is DHW taking these steps?

Several factors contributed to the current predicted shortfall. In recent years, DHW expanded eligibility standards, making more children eligible for the program, and increased reimbursement rates to providers. Meanwhile, this year’s study of local market rates revealed what many already knew: child care costs have steeply increased. Funding increases are not keeping pace with the program’s costs.

“We recognize that decisions like these are never easy, especially given the importance of access to affordable child care for both the workforce and for early childhood development,” wrote DHW Director Alex Adams in an Aug. 14 letter to the chairs of the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

He also stressed that DHW understands the importance of child care for working families and is “committed to making sure Idaho’s neediest families retain uninterrupted services.”

“Our goals are to keep the enrollment pause as short as possible and keep as many children as possible eligible for this critical support,” Adams wrote.

What do families and providers need to do?

Families currently enrolled in the Idaho Child Care Program are not affected by this pause, provided they remain eligible. The department will notify existing enrollees when it is time to complete re-evaluation. Families should be sure to complete re-evaluation on time and include all required documents.

Families interested in applying for child care coverage through the ICCP can monitor DHW’s ICCP webpage, where the end of the pause will be announced. The department will notify providers when the temporary pause ends.

Child care providers can access the 2024 local market rate survey information here.

“Ultimately, we want to preserve as many families on this program as possible,” Adams said. “We know we’re short funds for the current and next fiscal years. That’s why we need to implement a temporary pause in new enrollment.

“In our letter to legislators, we shared our worst case predicted shortfall. As we close out last year’s budget and refine projections, we hope the shortage is less than predicted. If it is, we will minimize the impact on families by changing eligibility criteria as little as possible. This program serves our communities and Idaho’s employers by keeping able-bodied Idahoans at work.” 

I’ve heard it said that if everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. It’s in this collaborative spirit that the Department of Health and Welfare worked with diverse partners this week to unveil the Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport, a program that gives foster families access to more than two dozen parks under management of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

State parks are places where Idahoans go to camp, swim, float, hike, and picnic in the great outdoors, and foster families can now access them for free.

Officials from Parks and Rec, DHW, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, and Idaho Business for the Outdoors joined a half-dozen local foster families to unveil the new passport at a news conference on Wednesday, and I was inspired by the enthusiasm and spirit of collaboration underlying the effort. 

This is the most recent example of the department’s renewed focus on child welfare and our goal of doubling the rate of foster families in Idaho. To help make this happen, we’ve waived all adoption fees through the department, simplified licensure of foster homes, and released a Foster Parent Bill of Rights.

We’ve also reorganized our child welfare leadership team and program structure. We worked with Gov. Brad Little to expand paid parental leave for new foster parents. And we cosponsored screenings of the inspiring film, “Sound of Hope,” which chronicles the true story about 22 families from a rural church who adopted 77 kids from the foster system.

Every single child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing home. In Idaho, we’re proud that 95% of our children never require intervention from child welfare services, a testament to the strength and dedication of our families. Yet, for the 5% of Idaho’s children who do enter our child welfare system, sometimes, to keep them safe, foster care becomes a necessary step.

When that happens, it is our responsibility as Idahoans to unite in support of these children. Caring foster families can make all the difference in their lives, providing the love and stability that every child deserves. 

I want to extend my deepest thanks to Idaho Parks and Recreation, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, and Idaho Business for the Outdoors for joining the Department of Health and Welfare in this effort. The new parks program is a beautiful way to bond, build relationships, and create lasting memories through the unmatched beauty of Idaho’s outdoors. Thanks to each of you for your vision and commitment.

As of this week, DHW has 1,401 children in foster care and 1,124 licensed foster homes—only about half of what we need. If you have the ability to provide a safe and loving environment for Idaho’s foster children, I urge you to call 2-1-1 today to learn more about becoming a foster parent.

If long-term fostering isn’t the right fit for you, there are many other ways you can contribute. You could provide short-term respite care for other foster parents, support programs like the Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport, or sponsor one of the upcoming First Time Adventure events. There are countless opportunities to help nurture Idaho’s future generations.

And most importantly, thank you to Idaho’s foster parents, some of whom were with us this week. Your dedication is deeply appreciated, and we’re honored to support you in any way we can.

You can read more about Wednesday’s event in the Idaho Capital Sun and Idaho Press. 

If you have questions about the new Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport, please visit the attached FAQ. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
 

Foster parents provide an indispensable service to the state of Idaho by caring for thousands of foster children each year. They open their homes to children separated from their families and are committed to offering love and stability during the most challenging and important times in a child’s life.

Acknowledging their selfless dedication, the Foster Parent Bill of Rights serves as a guiding framework ensuring that foster parents are supported, respected, and treated as integral members of our child welfare system.

The Foster Parent Bill of Rights articulates several key areas of support and respect to which foster parents are entitled. At its core, it emphasizes the importance of treating foster parents with dignity and respect. 

The Foster Parent Bill of Rights is comprised of five key tenants It pledges that foster parents have the right to:

1. Be treated with respect and dignity
2. Be supported by the department as primary providers of foster care
3. Timely, accurate, and respectful communication
4. Be actively involved in case planning
5. Raise concerns without fear of reprisal 

The Idaho Foster Parent Bill of Rights is a milestone in strengthening the partnership between foster parents and the Department of Health and Welfare. It recognizes the critical role foster parents play and creates a foundation that starts with the support, respect, and recognition they deserve. 

Together, we can continue to improve the stability and well-being of children in foster care, creating a brighter future for Idaho’s kids and for the families who selflessly offer support and love.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, please call 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588, or visit DHW's foster care page for more information. Your willingness to open your home can make a profound difference in a child’s life.

Monty Prow is deputy director of Child, Youth & Family Services. He’s dedicated his career to supporting youth and families, most recently serving as director of the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
 

If you’re willing to open your heart and your home to a child in need, we need your help.

This month, I’m thrilled to join the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) team. It is an honor to work alongside department staff and the dedicated, compassionate Idahoans who make a difference for Idaho kids every day.

For over two decades, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting youth and families, most recently serving as director of the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

Doubling rate of qualified Idaho foster families

Our collective efforts are critical to achieving DHW’s top-level goal of doubling the rate of qualified resource families. This ambitious target aligns with our shared philosophy of ensuring the right placement for the right length of time for each youth in the foster care system.

The goal is a two-part equation focusing on increasing both the number of available homes and safely decreasing the number of youths who need to be removed from their homes. Input and collaboration from foster families, soon-to-be foster families, and DHW staff will be essential as we work toward this goal.

Meeting the needs for Idaho children

With approximately 1,500 foster children in Idaho at any given moment, the demand for compassionate families is constant. These children depend on us to provide safe, nurturing environments during times of crisis.

All foster families make crucial contributions by opening their homes and hearts to children in need. Some foster families go further by providing for children who require complex levels of care.

The more complex children can have chronic medical problems, frequent or time-consuming transportation needs, behaviors requiring extra supervision, even substance use concerns.

The need for additional foster families in Idaho is constant, with a specific demand for those who can care for sibling groups, adolescents, and children with more complex needs. Foster parents provide a lifeline, offering stability and care to children who need it most.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please call 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588, or visit DHW's foster care page for more information. Your willingness to open your home can make a profound difference in a child’s life.

Monty Prow is deputy director of Child, Youth & Family Services. He’s dedicated his career to supporting youth and families, most recently serving as director of the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

This week I was profoundly grateful to join the department of Health and Welfare as director and lead DHW’s dedicated team of 3,000 employees as we work to improve the lives of our fellow Idahoans. 

Almost half a million of those Idahoans are children, whose voices may be unheard and whose options may be limited or nonexistent. It is our responsibility and our honor to ensure that every single child receives love, care, and nurturing. Idaho’s children are Idaho’s future. Today’s children are the nurturers, parents, and caregivers of tomorrow.  

With that in mind, my initial focus, and the disproportionate energy of the department, will be focused on strengthening child welfare. We must ensure that Idaho’s children are safe, loved, and cared for in permanent environments where they can flourish. The best interest of Idaho’s children is the North Star that will guide our actions.

We took several initial actions this week to start this journey.

First, we waived all adoption fees through the department. Let’s make adoption easier in Idaho and ensure there are no cost impediments for applications, home studies, and related services.

Second, we simplified licensure of foster homes. We eliminated a lot of the rocks-in-shoes regulations that existed in Idaho but were absent in national model licensure standards and served more as barriers than bridges. This will allow foster parents to use their professional judgment more rather than memorizing departmental regulations. It will also make it easier to license relatives as foster homes for their own kin.

Third, we released a Foster Parent Bill of Rights to acknowledge the significance of the commitment foster parents make and outline what foster families can expect in terms of their interactions with DHW.

Fourth, we worked with Gov. Brad Little to support passage of an executive order, the Promoting Families and Protecting Children Act. The order directs the department to implement measures that strengthen child welfare, and to file a report with the governor by Dec. 1, 2024.

While these initial actions will create momentum in the right direction, it is not an understatement to say we need to tap into the collective talent of all 3,000 members of the department to make meaningful progress in child welfare.

While department leadership is working to harness the staff’s collective energy to make a difference for Idaho children, we cannot complete this journey alone. It will take all of Idaho, together, focused on this singular destination of strengthening child welfare and led by the best interests of children.

Simply put, Idaho – like many states – has a shortage of foster homes. Please consider opening your home to a child or siblings in need in our state. By opening your heart to a child, you enrich your family and community. Learn more about becoming a foster family.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

For the past five months I’ve had the great honor of serving as interim director of the Department of Health and Welfare. It’s been my great honor to do so.

During that time, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the dedication, compassion, and resilience of our department’s employees. Despite facing numerous challenges and complexities, our eight divisions and nearly 3,000 staff have remained steadfast in their commitment to serving the needs of Idahoans with integrity and compassion.

One of the most inspiring aspects of my experience has been the opportunity to work alongside such caring and dedicated people who go above and beyond every day to make a difference in the lives of others. From frontline workers to administrative staff, the passion and commitment of the team at DHW has been inspiring.
 

At the same time, it’s impossible to ignore the myriad challenges confronting the department on a daily basis. From navigating legal issues, court cases, and political conflicts to grappling with complex questions surrounding the best interests of children in our care, the road ahead is far from straightforward or easy. However, I believe it’s because of these challenges that we are stronger and that our resilience and commitment will be evident.

Reflecting on the department’s accomplishments over the past five months, I’m proud of the progress made in addressing several key issues. These have included resolving audit findings, implementing department-wide policies, restoring relationships with foster families, and improving communication with the Legislature. Each of these achievements represents a step forward in our mission to promote the health and wellbeing of all Idahoans.

Specifically, I am grateful for the opportunity to improve our financial oversight processes and conflict of interest policies. I appreciate the efforts to address concerns surrounding the department’s involvement with syringe exchange programs, where we eliminated misconceptions about the role the department played and shored up oversight and processes to make sure invoices are itemized appropriately.

By reinforcing our commitment to ethical practices and compliance with state guidelines, we’ve taken important steps toward fostering confidence in DHW and building relationships with key stakeholders.

As I reflect on this experience, I’m reminded that the true measure of our success lies not in the obstacles we’ve overcome, but in the impact we’ve had on others. I want to express my gratitude to all of DHW’s talented staff for doing their part. I’m honored to have been associated with this team and to contribute in some small way during my time with the department.

DHW is here to serve you. Have a great weekend.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

Spring weather is upon us and before long we’ll have even warmer temperatures, and you may be wanting to have fun outside in your backyard or in Idaho deserts, rivers, or mountain trails.  

It is also the time to be aware of the potential for illness caused by ticks or mosquitos. Bug bites can be problematic and threatening to both you and your pets. But with proper awareness, precautions, and treatment when needed, these illnesses shouldn’t discourage you from enjoying the Idaho outdoors.  

West Nile virus

Mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus (WNV). Most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms, but about 20 percent will develop illness that can be mild to severe. Mild illness includes fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe illness can occur in 1% of cases when infection leads to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or brain membrane (meningitis), especially those older than 50 and those who have underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, but hospitalization and treatment of symptoms may improve the chances of recovery for those with severe illness. There is no vaccine for humans, but there is a vaccine for horses, which can become seriously ill if infected.

Tickborne diseases

Some ticks carry germs that cause human disease. For most tickborne diseases, the symptoms are not specific, and people can experience fever, headache and muscle aches, or fatigue. Some infections, such as Lyme disease, can lead to distinctive rashes or sores depending on the illness.

If a tick is biting you, use clean, fine-tipped tweezers or notched tick extractor to remove it as close to the skin as possible without squeezing or crushing the tick. Clean the bite site and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. 

For tick bites, see your medical provider immediately if you have symptoms mentioned above. Early recognition and treatment of these infections reduces the risk of complications.

What are the best ways to prevent bites from ticks and mosquitoes?

The best way to protect yourself from germs spread by mosquitoes and ticks is to prevent being bitten.
•    For both mosquitoes and ticks, use insect repellent approved by the EPA on exposed skin and clothing. Follow instructions on the product label, especially if you’re applying it to children. 
•    Avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors or wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts if you’re outside. Tucking in your shirts and pants into socks prevents ticks from accessing your skin.
•    Remove standing water sources around your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs. 
•    Avoid ticks by staying out of tall grass, brush, or heavily wooded areas and walking in the center of hiking trails.
•    Ticks will be more visible if you wear light-colored clothing. Check for and remove ticks from your clothing, body, hair, and pets when you have been outside.
•    Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets. Ticks can attach to your pet and end up in your home.

Other infectious diseases can be carried by mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects and transmitted to humans through their bites. Although public health officials are most concerned about West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, tick-borne relapsing fever, and tularemia in Idaho, Lyme disease is another concern. Lyme disease cases in Idaho are rare and mostly occur in people who traveled to other areas of the country where infected ticks are common. It’s important to “fight the bite” by being knowledgeable and prepared to prevent insect bites, and knowing what to do if you are bitten!

Resources:

CDC information on tick borne illness: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/about/index.html

West Nile virus information: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/west-nile-virus

Dr. Kathryn Turner is deputy state epidemiologist in the Division of Public Health.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

National Water Safety month has been recognized for the past 20 years every May to bring awareness on how to stay safe in and around water.  Idaho ranks ninth in the United States for deaths by drowning. This is a statistic we want to greatly improve. It is never too late to learn how to swim! Organizations such as the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), United States Masters Swimming, and others offer discounted or free swim lessons for children and adults.

Whether you are tubing down the Boise River with friends or on a boat at Lucky Peak, it is always wise to wear a United States Coast Guard Certified floatation device in case you fall into the water unexpectedly. In Idaho we have an abundance of lakes, streams, and rivers to recreate in, but swimming, playing, or wading in our canals are not only dangerous but illegal.

Every spring when the snowpacks begin to melt, Idaho rivers, streams, and canals fill with more water quickly.  Spring also brings warmer weather and outdoor activities such as water recreation. So, enjoy the warmer months that are upon us by playing it safe while in the water with your friends and family.  

Canal Safety

The water in canals serve an important purpose in Idaho as they help provide irrigation to approximately 69,000 acres of agricultural and residential lands. Canals are not only a swimming hazard, but also carry bacteria and parasites that are harmful to humans. 

Canals are a tempting place to cool off because they are often convenient to access in our neighborhoods, but they are also very dangerous. The range of water depth in our canals is between 1 and 10 feet and many have steep, vertical banks made of smooth concrete that can be slippery and make exiting a canal difficult.  No adult, child, or pet should ever swim or play near a canal. More children drown in canals than any other body of water in Idaho.

Canal water can be deceptively fast as there are no obstructions in the waterway to slow the current or provide visual projections on how fast the water is moving. The water in canals is also very cold and can cause hypothermia and death in as little as 10 minutes.

The Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District (NMID) estimates water flows at the Ridenbaugh Canal in Boise travel about 3 miles per hour at 4.5 feet per second. An example was provided by the NMID as a public safety announcement in 2012 when a child’s shoe was dropped into the canal to show visually how fast water travels. In just two minutes, the shoe traveled 540 feet and within 5 minutes, it was nearly a quarter mile away from where the shoe was originally dropped.

Most canals run through private property so playing in a canal or along its banks is trespassing under Idaho law. Each year, police, fire, and EMS personnel respond to distress calls in our local canals and it is difficult for emergency personnel to access them.

Splash pads

Splash pads are great water activities for children, but the water can become contaminated and shouldn’t be swallowed. Don't sit or stand directly on the jets, as this can contaminate the water with germs. Don’t allow children to swallow splash pad water because they can ingest germs that can make them sick. Although most splash pads use chlorine in their water systems, it doesn’t kill germs instantly: 

https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/safety/stay-healthy-at-splash-pads.html

Going to the pool

Going for a swim with kids? Take a break every hour to use the bathroom or check diapers to avoid accidents in the pool. When pee and chlorine mix in the pool, there is less chlorine available to kill germs: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/prevention/preventing-eye-irritation-from-pool-chemicals.html.

Check out some healthy swimming tips to protect yourself and those you care about from illness at the pool and beach this summer: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/prevention/

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.