Georgia faces $85 million shortfall in foster care funding

In Georgia, the Joint Study Committee on Evaluating Escalating Costs in the foster care system convened to address significant financial challenges facing the state's foster care system. This committee was established through Senate Resolution 622 and aims to evaluate the services available to foster children and parents, as well as the associated costs. The meeting took place on Thursday morning, August 13, 2026, and is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that resources are available to improve outcomes for children in foster care.

Wayne Naugle, a foster father and founder of Families 4 Families, highlighted the increasing complexity of needs among foster children, stating that while the number of children in care has not significantly increased, their needs have become more demanding. This shift has resulted in higher costs per child, exacerbating the financial strain on the foster care system. Naugle noted that Georgia had approximately 7,500 foster homes in 2019, but this number has dwindled to around 4,500 today, indicating a concerning trend in foster care availability.

The financial difficulties are further compounded by an $85 million budget shortfall reported by Georgia's Division of Family and Children Services. This funding gap has led to reduced specialized care for foster children and cuts to essential programs that support graduation rates, foster parent education, and specialized medical care. The situation has been worsened by a $300 million cut from the state budget by Governor Brian Kemp in May, which included the elimination of $600,000 allocated for clothing and supplies for foster children. Additionally, the impacts of the government shutdown and inflation have placed further financial pressure on the Division of Family and Children Services and foster care agencies.

State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick emphasized the importance of this committee, noting that it is the third study committee formed in three years to address challenges within Georgia's foster care system. This committee is unique in that it brings together members of both the state Senate and House to collaboratively study these issues. Kirkpatrick pointed out that many states are grappling with rising costs associated with caring for foster children, particularly those with medical or mental health needs, which has created a gap between available funding and the actual needs of children in the system. The committee aims to unite various agencies and organizations that work with foster children to identify potential solutions and ensure that the state's foster care system can adequately support the children in its care.