Blagojevich cuts would devastate foster care

By Bill Steinhauser | Sunday, July 20, 2008

Gov. Rod Blagojevich is balancing Illinois' budget on the back of the state's most vulnerable citizens: children in foster care. Not only do the governor's cuts eliminate needed increases for foster parents, but they also significantly reduce allocations to fund foster care.

I heartily agree that the state must have a balanced budget and that child welfare agencies must be good stewards. However, Gov. Blagojevich's budget cuts go beyond sound fiscal management. If left in place, they will erode the foster care system. The result will be fewer personnel, greater caseloads and the possibility that children will be left in harm's way.

An overburdened, overstressed, foster care system will lead to more lengthy foster placements and the probability that some children will never achieve a permanent home.

I urge Illinois residents to contact their state representatives and the governor's office today. Ask them to work together for Illinois children. Tell the governor he cannot balance the budget by undermining the systems that keep kids safe. We owe children who have been abused or neglected appropriate care, not compromised intervention.

Bill Steinhauser, Bethany for Children & Families, Moline