HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2024 (44)Resolution No. 44 (2024)
ST. C R OI• , NTY. RESOLUTION URGING THE WISCONSIN STATE
rsc�rrsrrr LEGISLATURE TO REFORM THE FUNDING MODEL FOR
OUT -OF -HOME CHILD PLACEMENTS
1 WHEREAS, counties across Wisconsin, including St. Croix County, face significant
2 challenges in securing appropriate out -of -home placements for children with complex and
3 demanding needs, including those with non-verbal autism, severe behavioral issues, and trauma-
4 related conditions; and
5
6 WHEREAS, there are very limited placement options within the state of Wisconsin that
7 can adequately support children with these complex conditions, and the few available options are
8 often in high demand and prohibitively expensive, with costs reaching up to $500,000 per year
9 per child; and
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11 WHEREAS, due to the scarcity of appropriate facilities in Wisconsin, counties are
12 sometimes forced to seek placements for children in out-of-state facilities, creating additional
13 logistical challenges and financial burdens; and
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15 WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin does not reimburse counties for the costs of placing
16 children in these residential care facilities, nor does it provide sufficient logistical support to
17 counties in identifying and securing high -intensity placement environments for children with
18 complex needs; and
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20 WHEREAS, in contrast, the State of Wisconsin fully funds the costs of residential
21 placements for adults with complex needs, ensuring that counties are not burdened with the
22 financial responsibility for these placements, demonstrating a disparity in the state's approach to
23 funding care for children versus adults; and
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25 WHEREAS, the judicial branch sometimes makes placement decisions without input or
26 control from the county's Health and Human Services (HHS) departments, leaving counties with
27 the responsibility to cover the costs associated with these placements, regardless of the financial
28 burden; and
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30 WHEREAS, private health insurance rarely, if ever, covers the costs of out -of -home
31 placements, leaving counties to attempt to recover costs from parents, with minimal success; and
32
33 WHEREAS, while foster homes remain in constant demand, they are typically unable to
34 manage children with complex and demanding needs, further exacerbating the placement crisis.
35
36 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the St. Croix County Board of
37 Supervisors hereby urges the Wisconsin State Legislature to undertake a comprehensive reform
38 of the funding model for out -of -home child placements, specifically addressing the financial and
39 logistical burdens placed on counties when securing appropriate placements for children with
40 complex need.
Resolution No. 44 (2024)
ST. C RO.I;X CnUNTY, RESOLUTION URGING THE WISCONSIN STATE
1' I%rsco-asrrz" LEGISLATURE TO REFORM THE FUNDING MODEL FOR
OUT -OF -HOME CHILD PLACEMENTS
41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State of Wisconsin should provide adequate
42 reimbursement to counties for the costs associated with high -intensity placements, whether in-
43 state or out-of-state, and increase logistical support to assist counties in identifying suitable
44 placement options.
45
46 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Wisconsin State Legislature should address the
47 disparity in funding models between child and adult placements, ensuring that children with
48 complex needs receive the same level of state support as adults in similar situations.
49
50 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Wisconsin State Legislature should collaborate
51 with the judicial branch to ensure that placement decisions take into account the availability and
52 financial feasibility of appropriate care options, providing HHS departments with a greater role
53 in the decision -making process.
54
55 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the
56 Governor of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Wisconsin
57 Department of Children and Families, and all members of the Wisconsin State Legislature.
Health and Human Services Board Recommended 8-0
MOVER: Mike Barcalow
SECONDER: Dave Ostness
AYES: Shawn Anderson, Mike Barcalow, Dave Ostness, Greg Tellijohn, Lisa Lind, Deb
Lindemann, Julie Smith, Dr. Kathleen Findlay
EXCUSED: Cathy Leaf
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on: 600htr 1 ;ck
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Bob Long, Coun Bo Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk