Providers and hospitals tell subcommittee rate freezes have cut capacity and left dozens of youth stuck in hospitals During public testimony providers, unionized frontline workers and the Maryland Hospital Association urged full funding for rate reform and more placement capacity, saying frozen provider rates reduce staffing and the ability to place high-need youth, contributing to hospital 'overstays.'

Frozen reimbursement rates are jeopardizing the care of high-need youth in Maryland, leaving many stuck in hospitals and without proper placements.

Read the full story

#MD #CitizenPortal #MarylandChildWelfare #YouthPlacement #WorkforceInvestment #HealthCareReform

Kansas Judiciary Committee hears wide testimony on HB 23-29 to expand juvenile placements and increase detention options Supporters told the Senate Judiciary Committee HB 23-29 would fill placement gaps left by earlier juvenile‑justice reform by authorizing judges to order youth into youth residential facilities, increasing cumulative detention caps and allowing up to $10 million for non‑foster beds; neutral witnesses warned about costs and diverting funds from community programs.

Kansas is considering a controversial bill that could reshape juvenile justice by expanding detention options and placement facilities, but is it the right move?

Click to read more!

#KS #KansasJuvenileJustice #JuvenileReform #CommunitySafety #YouthPlacement #CitizenPortal

Children’s Services reports fewer placement moves, lower turnover after staffing investments; privatized case managers set to expire unless funded The Department of Children’s Services reported reductions in placement moves and improvements in staff vacancy and turnover rates after pay increases and other investments, but told the House Finance Committee that 90 privatized case managers supporting foster care expire in July unless recurring funding is approved.

Tennessee's Department of Children's Services has made significant strides in reducing placement moves and improving staff retention, but urgent funding is needed to maintain these gains and support vulnerable youth.

Click to read more!

#TN #CitizenPortal #YouthPlacement

Sacramento County Expands Youth Care Capacity with New Placement Resources Sacramento County reports 26% decrease in foster care while expanding support for acute youth.

Sacramento County is making strides in youth care by reducing foster placements by 26% while expanding resources for vulnerable children and adolescents.

Read the full story

#SacramentoCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #YouthPlacement #ChildWelfare

Inspectors complete 134 hotel inspections amid rising tick-borne illness concerns Inspections for hotels and tourist homes increase as tick-borne illnesses rise.

With rising tick-borne illnesses on the rise, Sawyer County inspectors have completed 134 hotel inspections to ensure public safety.

Get the details!

#SawyerCounty #WI #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #HealthInspection #YouthPlacement #SawyerCountyPublicHealth

Northern Michigan leaders call for statewide youth detention system reforms Leaders highlight the need for better coordination and increased bed utilization in youth facilities.

Michigan's juvenile justice system is at a crossroads, with leaders demanding urgent reforms to tackle youth detention challenges and ensure no child is left behind.

Click to read more!

#MI #CivicAccountability #YouthPlacement #CitizenPortal