JBC questions money spent on programs and inconsistent outcomes

Lawmakers charged with setting annual dollar amounts for state-funded programs came away with more questions than answers during a hearing today at the Capitol regarding the level of funding needed for child protective services in Colorado.

As Joint Budget Committee staffer Amanda Bickel briefed the panel of JBC members on child protective-services programs–administered by counties on behalf of abused and neglected children, but funded by state and federal dollars–it quickly became apparent to some of the members that successes and shortcomings don’t necessarily fit hand in glove with funding levels. In some cases administrative costs have gone up when caseloads have gone down, and in some counties with higher funding levels kids haven’t been as protected as they could have. Successful programs have in some cases received relatively low funding.

Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, said he is very concerned and would like to ask the Department of Human Services about the inconsistent outcomes.   –More-