Underfunded and Overwhelmed: The Crisis Facing Foster Family Agencies (FFA)

The California Alliance of Child and Family Services is pleased to release the following report, Underfunded and Overwhelmed: The Crisis Facing Foster Family Agencies (FFA), regarding FFA funding challenges.

The report highlights the indispensable role FFAs play in our communities as state-licensed, nationally accredited nonprofits. These agencies are the backbone of our foster care system, providing crucial support to resource families and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children and youth in care. However, despite their vital contributions, However, FFAs are facing significant financial hurdles that threaten their ability to continue their essential work.

Key findings from the report include:

• Funding Stagnation: FFAs have not received adequate annual rate increases to keep pace with rising costs and unfunded mandates. This has led to financial instability and difficulty in meeting the growing demands of the system.
• Workforce Challenges: FFAs struggle to attract and retain qualified social workers due to low starting salaries and stiff competition from other sectors. High turnover rates among social workers further exacerbate the problem, resulting in disruptions in services and diminished care for families.
• Risk of Closures and Downsizing: Many FFAs are at risk of closure or downsizing due to financial strain, which could lead to a significant gap in services for high-need youth and families.
• Impact of Rate Increases: While recent rate increases have provided some relief, they are not sufficient to address the underlying structural deficits and ongoing operational expenses faced by FFAs.

Immediate action is needed to address these pressing issues and ensure the sustainability of FFAs across our state.

We encourage you to read the full report for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing FFAs and the potential implications for our foster care system. Together, we can work towards a solution that ensures every child and family receives the support and care they deserve.