With a projected state budget surplus of $1.5 billion one might hope this is the year to increase foster care rates and address shortages of staff and support services in child welfare. We may have an advocate in Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who was formerly Director of Children’s Defense Fund and a member of the Governor’s Child Protection Task Force.
One good prospect is the Child Welfare Training Academy which has a modest state share of less than $5 million. Proposals to address racial disparities could also receive broad backing.
However areas like K-12 education and infrastructure also have strong support, and small percentage increases in these large budget items can quickly absorb huge chunks of revenue.
Overall, additional resources for child welfare will require strong advocacy and good luck.