Georgia lawmakers launch committee to tackle soaring foster care expenses

Georgia's legislature convened a bipartisan committee to study the rapid escalation of foster care spending, which has risen 159% since 2022, according to a bill led by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick. Juvenile court judges and agency staff testified that rising living expenses, a 40% drop in licensed foster homes, and increasing diagnoses of mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders among 16- to 18-year-olds are driving costs.

Permanency coordinator Audrey Brannen emphasized that severe aggression and behavioral issues create the highest financial burdens, often because the system lacks alternative resources. Judge Alison Toller urged a focus on prevention services such as family preservation and mental-health interventions. The committee will reconvene on September 17 and aim to deliver recommendations before the December deadline, ahead of the next legislative session.