South Dakota Foster Families Concerned Over Childcare Payment Shifts
Foster families in South Dakota expressed concerns about potential out-of-pocket childcare costs following a state program payment structure change. The Department of Social Services has pledged full coverage for these expenses.
Key takeaways
- South Dakota's Child Care Assistance program recently changed its payment structure from hourly to weekly, causing concern among foster families.
- Foster parents feared potential monthly out-of-pocket childcare costs of up to $500 due to the payment shift.
- The Department of Social Services Secretary confirmed that the state will continue to cover all remaining childcare costs for children in foster care.
- Childcare providers can still bill remaining balances directly to Child Protective Services, maintaining previous practices.
Foster families in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, have voiced apprehension regarding their ability to take on additional children due to recent alterations in the state's Child Care Assistance program. The program's shift from an hourly payment structure to a weekly one raised concerns among foster parents about covering potential childcare deficits, with some estimating they could owe up to $500 monthly.
Kaye Sjaarda, a foster parent, stated that the possibility of absorbing unpaid childcare costs would cause her to reconsider accepting new placements. She emphasized that foster parents are motivated by a desire to care for children, not financial gain, and require adequate support to manage the trauma and behavioral challenges these children often face.
In response, Matt Althoff, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS), clarified that the state's commitment to supporting foster families with childcare remains consistent. Althoff assured that the changes in payment methodology and rates do not affect the DSS's ongoing support for child care expenses for youth in foster care. Childcare facilities can continue to bill remaining balances directly to Child Protective Services, a practice that predates the weekly rate adjustment.
To address confusion and ensure consistent communication, Althoff announced plans to brief DSS staff. This initiative aims to equip caseworkers to adequately answer foster families' questions. State officials also indicated that the program modifications are in line with updated federal guidelines.
Key Facts
- Recent changes to South Dakota's Child Care Assistance program shifted payments from an hourly to a weekly structure.
- Some foster families in Sioux Falls worried this change could result in out-of-pocket childcare expenses up to $500 per month.
- Kaye Sjaarda, a foster parent, stated that the uncertainty of childcare coverage would make her hesitate to take in more children.
- South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) Secretary Matt Althoff affirmed that state support for foster care childcare costs remains unchanged.
- Althoff stated that childcare facilities can continue to bill remaining balances directly to Child Protective Services.
- DSS plans to brief staff to improve communication with foster families about the program changes.
- State officials noted the program changes align with updated federal guidelines.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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