ATLANTA, Ga. – Georgia’s child welfare system is currently facing a significant funding shortfall of approximately $85 million. This gap has raised concerns among state leaders and advocates, who say the situation is already impacting children and families throughout the state.
During a recent meeting of a state legislative committee, child welfare advocates warned lawmakers that the system tasked with protecting abused and neglected children is reaching a critical point. Officials highlighted several challenges, including a lack of foster homes, staffing shortages, and increasing costs that are limiting safe placement options for children entering state care.
Dr. Joel Lyon, CEO of ProFamily Georgia, emphasized the urgency of the situation during his testimony. “The shutdown has resulted in a total shutdown of services for children and families,” he stated.
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), which operates under the Department of Human Services, has pointed to federal funding cuts, workforce shortages, and a lack of foster placements as ongoing issues. These factors are putting additional strain on the system. Officials also noted that many children entering care have experienced trauma, instability, and significant mental health challenges, which increase their need for support and services.
DHS Commissioner Candice Broce shared her concerns with lawmakers, describing the agency’s struggle to meet the needs of children and families with limited resources. “We’re fighting a forest fire with a squirt bottle,” she said. During her testimony, Broce became emotional, explaining the difficult decisions the agency is now forced to make due to mounting financial pressures.
“I am being forced to make decisions that no one should have to make,” she said.
Nonprofit organizations that collaborate with the state to support children and families report that prevention and wraparound services are now under increased scrutiny or at risk of being cut. These services include transportation, in-home therapy, and behavioral health support programs, which help stabilize families and prevent children from entering deeper crises.
“When family’s needs aren’t centered, children fall through the cracks,” said Allison Ashe, CEO of Wellroot Family Services.
State Rep. Kim Schofield, D-Atlanta, who has been involved in child welfare legislation, urged lawmakers to treat this issue as an urgent priority when the General Assembly returns to the Capitol. “We have the opportunity when things go awry to step in and step up,” she said. “We have to do that right now. Our time is up.”
In a statement, the Governor’s Office acknowledged that lawmakers have taken steps to address the funding gap while recognizing the rising costs and evolving budget picture. “After DHS made our office aware of the projected deficit in January of 2025, we were able to work with our legislative partners to appropriate $38.6 million to address the shortfall in the AFY25 budget and $19.3 million in the FY26 budget,” the statement said. “The current budget development process is ongoing, and the Governor will unveil his budget proposal to both chambers at a later date. We have seen exponential cost increases in this program area in a very short time span. I would also refer you to the Commissioner’s testimony on the fact that this deficit is ever-changing.”
The governor is expected to release his full budget proposal after lawmakers return to the Capitol later this month. Child welfare funding is anticipated to be a major focus of the upcoming legislative session.
