Idaho Health and Welfare Seeks Additional Staff to Improve Foster Care System and Support More Children

TWIN FALLS, Idaho — The number of children in foster care in Idaho is slowly decreasing. Currently, there are 1,278 kids in the system, down from 1,500 about 18 months ago. This positive trend is due to efforts by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

According to Deputy Director Monty Prow, the focus is on helping children find permanent homes. This includes reunification with their biological parents or relatives, as well as adoption.

To support these initiatives, the department currently employs 430 staff members but is seeking 58 more. These new roles would concentrate on preventive measures to help families before they need foster care.

“We aim to strengthen families by boosting protective factors and reducing risks,” Prow explained. “If we can achieve this quickly, it helps keep families together.”

In Twin Falls, the Fifth Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program is also making a difference. They advocate for children facing abuse and neglect in court. Last year, they assisted 284 children and are currently supporting 174. With seven full-time staff and 50 volunteers, they are dedicated to their mission.

Executive Director Tahna Barton emphasized that more health and welfare staff would benefit their work. Fewer cases going to court would lighten the caseload for everyone involved.

“A decrease in cases means less work for our staff, which is always a good thing,” Barton noted.

Prow mentioned that added staff could also enhance services, like extending the foster family helpline. Currently, it operates from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., but they hope to make it available 24/7. This means foster families could get support even late at night.

“If it’s midnight on a Saturday and they can’t reach their caseworker, a trained staff member will be available to help,” Prow pointed out.

They are also working to recruit more foster families, which is an ongoing need in the state.

Discussions about the additional staffing are currently taking place in the state legislature.