Program would pay relatives to foster children

Program would pay relatives to foster children
By: News 8 Austin Staff
Foster care was up for discussion Thursday at a public hearing before the state's House Human Services Committee.

Lawmakers said they were pleased by a Child Protective Services program to place children with relatives.

Starting Sept. 1, the new program will pay relatives to care for youths. The federally-backed program will also require the foster parents to be licensed.

Changes in foster care
Click here to view our interactive timeline of the changes of CPS and foster care. Also you can see videos of those who've made it through the system and see their take on it all.

http://news8austin.com/content/top_stories/271035/program-would-pay-relatives-to-foster-children

In the back of everyone's mind was the projected $18-billion hole in the state budget.
"The easiest thing to do when you have a big budget deficit or shortfall is trim, cut or slash health and human services programs,” Rep. Elliott Naishtat said. “Child Protective Services could fall under that. In which case, low income kids would be hurt again. I hope it doesn't happen, but we're all concerned about that."

Earlier this week, House Speaker Joe Straus said lawmakers would not raise taxes and directed budget writers to get creative about finding cuts.

In January the state paid more to house foster children than the budget allowed.