NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD)

Health Policy Commission (HPC)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $950.0 from the general fund to CYFD to provide services for children at risk of being referred or children referred to juvenile justice division (JJD) of CYFD. The appropriation is for contracting with community-based providers for programs as follows:

$150.0 for community and victim restoration programs;

$150.0 for family preservation programs for children at risk of being removed from their homes;

$250.0 for a statewide sex offender program that provides assessment, treatment and aftercare services and includes services at the JJD facilities;

$250.0 for recruiting, training and providing foster homes for children referred to JJD; and

$150.0 for an urban construction corps program.

Significant Issues

JJD contracts similar programs and this bill would expand the services provided.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

Five output measures are recommend:

1. Number of community and victim restoration programs.

2. Number of family preservation programs.

3. Number of clients participating in the sex offender programs.

4. Number of clients in foster homes or independent living programs.

5. Number of clients participating in urban construction corps programs.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $950.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

HPC recommends that CYFD explore the possibility of leveraging federal funds from Medicaid for individuals not incarcerated that are entered into the sex offender program.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

CYFD states that it often difficult to find foster care for individuals adjudicated to CYFD and that independent living programs may be a better option. Consideration should be given to amending Section 2A(4) to include independent living programs.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. How many clients of JJD will be helped by this appropriation?

2. Will the sexual offender program be expanded to all JJD facilities?

3. How many companies have been identified that would be interested in participating in an urban construction corps program?

GAC/ar/njw