SB21-277 replaces the child welfare allocation formula with a funding model. What that means is that rather than getting a block sum of roughly $450 million and dividing it among all 64 counties to run child welfare in the state, Colorado will instead be using a model that will tell the state how much we ACTUALLY need to provide services. A recently developed, third party model indicated that Colorado needed roughly $520 million to meet state and federal child welfare requirements and provide services that are best suited for children and their families.
SB21-277 essentially sets up a continual loop process that requires the funding model to be run (starting in 2024-2025), evaluated and modified on a regular basis.
Position: Support
Sponsors: Sen. Moreno, Rep. Herod
Status: Signed into Law