Fiscal Impact: Savings of $7.1 million to the General Fund this year and an estimated $45.8 million in future years

The May Revision includes projected savings of $7.1 million resulting from efforts to ensure the state is not paying twice for the same services related to child welfare.

Currently, there is no consistency, statewide, in order to avoid making double payments in programs administered by the Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services, including those to children who receive adoption or foster care payments.

This proposal will ensure children who reside in private residences are receiving appropriate payments, versus those who reside in vendors' group facilities.

Overall, the Governor's budget increases funding to these kinds of children's programs, and increases overall General Fund spending for health and human services over the current budget year by $239 million. The Governor has a strong record of signing legislation to support foster youths.

The Governor's Budget Includes $4 Billion For Programs For Children Who Are At-Risk Or Have Suffered Abuse And Neglect. The child welfare system in California provides a continuum of services through various programs, including Child Welfare Services, Child Abuse Prevention, Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Adoptions to children who are either at risk of or have suffered abuse and neglect. The May Revision includes $4 billion ($1.6 billion General Fund) to provide assistance payments and services to children and families under these programs. (Governor's Budget 2007-08, May Revision, 05/14/07)

• This Is A $16.5 Million Increase. (Governor's Budget 2007-08, May Revision, 05/14/07)

Governor Schwarzenegger Has A Strong Record Of Supporting California's Foster Youth.

• In September 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger Signed A Series Of Bills Including Legislation Improving Coordination Of Foster Youth Services, Improving The Living Environments Of Foster Youth, And Protecting Foster Youth From Crime. (Office Of The Governor, "Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation To Protect Foster Youth," Press Release, 09/22/06)
• In October 2005, The Governor Signed Legislation Protecting Foster Children, Increasing Access To Benefits And Focusing On The Education Of Foster Youth. (Office Of The Governor, "Governor Schwarzenegger Takes Steps to Protect Children," Press Release, 10/07/05)