GA SR622

Creates a 20-member Joint Study Committee to examine rapidly escalating costs in Georgia's foster care system, where out-of-home care services totaled $141.3 million in FY25 and are projected to exceed $164.7 million in FY26—a 159% increase since 2022

DFCS currently has custody of nearly 10,000 foster children and provides out-of-home care services including transportation and behavioral aides

Committee membership includes 6 senators, 6 representatives, the Governor's appointee (a special assistant attorney general), and commissioners or designees from Human Services, Community Health, Juvenile Justice, and Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Committee will study the delivery framework for out-of-home care and wrap-around services, evaluate resource availability, and recommend legislation to achieve efficiencies and better outcomes for foster children

Committee must file a report with findings and recommendations and will be abolished on December 1, 2026