As budget negotiations continue in Virginia, both the House and Senate have put forward proposals that could shape the future of child welfare services across the commonwealth. While both budgets include critical investments for foster youth, families, and the child welfare workforce, key differences remain, and the final outcome is yet to be determined. 

Key Investments in the House Budget

 Kinship Service Expansion – $425,750 is allocated to expand support for kinship caregivers, ensuring that more children can remain with relatives instead of entering traditional foster care. 
Child Welfare Workforce Retention – $500,000 is proposed to address high turnover rates in the child welfare workforce, which is essential for providing consistent, high-quality support for children in care. 
Future in Focus Program (HB 1964) – $1.6 million is included to extend the Fostering Futures program to age 23, allowing youth aging out of foster care more time and support for a successful transition into adulthood. 

Key Investments in the Senate Budget 

Housing Plans for Foster Youth (SB 773) – $469,665 is proposed to develop housing plans for youth exiting foster care, helping prevent homelessness and ensuring stability as they enter adulthood. 
Guardian Ad Litem Rate Increase – $936,606 in FY25 and 26 is included to increase compensation for Guardians Ad Litem, ensuring that foster youth receive strong legal advocacy throughout their cases. 
Foster Family Finding Services – $100,000 is allocated to enhance efforts to locate and support extended family members willing to provide a stable home for children in foster care. 

What’s Next? 

With the House and Senate budgets differing in key areas, negotiations will determine the final funding levels and policies that will shape child welfare in Virginia. As advocates, we must continue pushing for the strongest possible investments in kinship care, workforce development, and youth support services. 
We urge lawmakers to prioritize these critical investments in the final budget agreement. Your voice matters—stay engaged and advocate for a budget that fully supports Virginia’s foster youth and families. 
Take Action: Stay informed by signing up for updates and reaching out to your legislators to ensure child welfare remains a top priority. 

---