Addressing the Need
Nationally, the number of children in foster care has increased across all fifty states. In Florida alone, placements have risen 20% in the last decade. This surge drives up costs—caring for a single child in foster care can exceed $30,000 annually for a state agency. Additionally, the needs of children in foster care have evolved dramatically. Beyond room and board, foster care must address mental health, substance abuse treatment, cultural sensitivity, education, and a sense of normalcy.
Focus on Prevention
Federal and state governments, along with child welfare organizations, recognize the need to implement more front-end prevention programs to address the ongoing rise in foster care placements. Prevention programs are effective; studies show that every $1 invested in prevention can yield a $4 to $20 return in reduced child welfare costs.
The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 now provides federal funding to supplement state funding for prevention programs. These programs are designed to keep families together whenever safely possible.
