SB21-277 Summary

• Extends the current child welfare allocation formula through fiscal year 2023-24, then replaces it with a new funding model beginning in fiscal year 2024-25

• Requires the state department to contract with an outside entity to update and modify a comprehensive funding model annually, with modifications due by March 31 each year for the following fiscal year

• Establishes a seven-member funding model evaluation group to annually evaluate the model's consistency with state and federal law, outcome-based incentives, and workload analysis, with findings due by October 1 each year

• Mandates a county child welfare workload study to be completed by January 15, 2023, examining staffing, caseloads, and time spent per case to inform the funding model

• Appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2021-22 to the Department of Human Services Division of Child Welfare to conduct the county child welfare workload study