Costs are increasing locally. It s a significant issue statewide. More state funding should be a top legislative priority this year, Reger explained. According to the summary report, foster care programs are also serving more children. Rule 5 residential treatment, the highest level of care for serious emotional disturbances, had nine kids last year, compared to two in 1997.
Care is provided primarily in an institutional setting for the kids.
Our mobile society may account for some of the problems. A lot of families are moving in and out of the county making budgeting difficult, said Reger. While state and federal funds pay for child support services, property taxes pick up hefty costs. Family foster care is also increasing in the county. The program targets children with severe emotional disturbances and their families in structuring leisure and recreational activities.