Georgia’s Child Welfare System Faces £85M Crisis as Lawmakers Scramble for Solutions
Georgia’s child welfare system is under severe strain, with an estimated £85 million funding gap. Officials warn that rising costs, staff shortages, and a lack of foster homes are pushing the system to its limits.
State leaders are now preparing to address the crisis as lawmakers return to the Capitol later this month, where the governor’s full business proposal will be unveiled.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has struggled to meet demand with limited resources. Commissioner Candice Broce compared the situation to 'fighting a forest fire with a squirt bottle'. Children entering care often arrive with trauma, instability, and serious mental health needs, placing even greater pressure on services.
Prevention and support programs—including transportation, in-home therapy, and behavioural health services—are now at risk of cuts. State Rep. Kim Schofield, a Democrat from Atlanta, has called on lawmakers to treat the issue as an urgent priority when the General Assembly reconvenes.
The Governor’s Office has acknowledged the financial challenges but noted that £38.6 million was already allocated in the AFY25 budget, with an additional £19.3 million set aside for FY26. Despite this, concerns remain about whether the funding will be enough to prevent further strain on the system.
The governor’s upcoming business proposal will determine how Georgia addresses its child welfare crisis. With foster homes in short supply and costs continuing to rise, the system’s ability to support vulnerable children hangs in the balance. Lawmakers will soon decide whether additional funding can prevent deeper cuts to essential services.
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