PA budget delay threatens access to foster care, vital services

https://app.publicnewsservice.org/story/pa-budget-delay-threatens-access-to-foster-care-vital-services/e32e258d-ee50-4912-ab3a-5aa71aa798bc?

By Danielle Smith – Producer 

Jul 23, 2025

A delay in passing a budget for Pennsylvania is creating uncertainty for children and family service providers. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $51.5 billion proposal includes major investments in early education and child care, but payments may be disrupted while they wait for lawmakers to act.

Samea Kim, Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs with the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth, and Family Services, said delays disrupt vital services. She’s calling for passage of a bill that would guarantee funding continues during a budget stalemate and says providers need stability to serve children and families across the state.

“House Bill 1609 is looking at making sure that there are certain services that are really critical to Pennsylvanians to continue to receive funding in the case of a budget impasse,” she said.

Kim pointed out this is the fourth consecutive year the state budget has been delayed, and noted children and service providers have already begun receiving notifications from counties that they will not be issuing payments. She added that past impasses have shown if a deal isn’t reached early, children and family service providers could face serious disruptions. Shapiro said the state budget talks are making progress and he expects a deal soon.

Ronald Bunce, President and CEO with the Children’s Home of York, said the budget impasse could quickly become dire for organizations providing foster care and independent living group home services across Pennsylvania. His organization alone risks losing $417,000 a month. He added when a child is referred to them, they’re often facing trauma, instability or a crisis. But workers are committed to continuing care for children without interruption. He explained Children’s Home of York has been pushing for the essential services classification for years.

“Its so important that when there is a budget impasse, that organizations like Children’s Home of York are classified as essential, just like first responders or individuals working in the healthcare system,” he continued. “We are first responders for vulnerable children and families in our community, and we need to be considered essential.”

Advocates say the effects of the budget stalemate reach far beyond foster care. The Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services notes the uncertainty threatens the future of adoption services, residential care, and mental health support for children, even as more than 15,000 youth across the state remain in need of foster homes.