July 28, 2009

Summary of California Department of Social Services Enacted Budget Fiscal Year 2009-2010

California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provides aid, service and protection to children and adults in need of assistance. CDSS programs are aimed at promoting the well-being of children, strengthening families and helping adults and parents achieve their potential for economic self-sufficiency and independence. The 2009-10 enacted budget includes $21.2 billion ($8.4 billion General Fund) for CDSS, a decrease of $1 billion General Fund from the Budget Act of 2008. The 2009-10 enacted budget includes a number of reforms in the CalWORKs and In-Home Supportive Services program.

Key changes include:

• CalWORKS will impose sanctions, as of July 2011, for adults not meeting work requirements. Cost of living adjustments were eliminated.

• In-Home Supportive Services will increase anti-fraud initiatives and funding was cut by $28.9 million. Participation will be limited to higher needs individuals

• Child Welfare Services support for county services was cut by $80 million. Transitional Housing Program-Plus for young adults up to age 24 who aged out of foster care was cut by $5 million. Foster care rates for group homes, foster family agencies, and seriously emotionally disturbed children are reduced by 10%.

• Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment, which provides a cash payment to low-income aged, blind, or disabled individuals or couples will have no cost of living adjustments. Grants to individuals will be reduced from $850 to $845 per month and grants to couples will be reduced from $1,489 to $1,407 per month

• Community Care Licensing fees for foster care facilities will increase by 10%