STUDY COMMUNITY-BASED FOSTER CARE

SB 231 requires the Office of Child Advocate to conduct two periodic studies: one every five years on costs and reimbursement rates for community-based foster care placements (including payments for food, shelter, and supervision of children) and another every six years on costs and reimbursement rates for legal representation for children in foster care due to abuse or neglect allegations (covering attorney fees, evaluations, and court costs). The bill appropriates $200,000 for these initial studies in fiscal year 2027, with reports due to the Legislative Finance Committee by December 1, 2026, and annually thereafter. These studies will examine specific expenses like resource family payments and legal service costs to inform future funding decisions. The legislation does not change current foster care or legal services but mandates reviews to assess financial needs.