BOISE, ID – Governor Brad Little has signed Senate Bill 1208, which allocates $23.2 million to Idaho’s foster care system and authorizes 63 new positions within the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW). According to state officials, this marks the largest financial investment in the system to date.

The funding is intended to support early identification of at-risk children, expand in-home support services, and increase resources for children in foster care. The legislation also directs efforts to expand treatment foster homes and reduce the use of congregate care and short-term rentals. Additionally, it includes plans to return Idaho children currently placed out of state.

Senate Bill 1208 follows the 2024 Promoting Families and Protecting Children Act. Since that time, the state has reported increasing the number of foster homes per child, reducing regulatory requirements for foster parents, and opening a faith-based office within DHW. Other steps have included offering paid parental leave to state-employed foster parents and coordinating with businesses and organizations to expand support.