ID S1208

Appropriates $21,245,700 to the Department of Health and Welfare's Division of Youth Safety and Permanency for fiscal year 2026, including $9,518,500 for Youth Safety & Permanency operations and $11,727,200 for Foster & Assistance Payments

Authorizes 63 additional full-time equivalent positions for the Division of Youth Safety and Permanency for fiscal year 2026

Allocates $663,000 and 8 FTE positions specifically for foster program licensing staff to achieve a 1:1 ratio of foster families to foster children by January 1, 2026, with funding subject to review if the goal is not met

Provides $14,126,900 in emergency supplemental funding for the Foster and Assistance Payments program for fiscal year 2025 ($8,868,200 general fund, $5,258,700 federal fund)

Prohibits state funds from replacing reduced or eliminated federal funding without legislative approval and requires the agency to notify the Legislature of significant federal funding changes