Thursday, January 11, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Seeks More Funding to Care for Missouri’s Vulnerable Children
SPRINGFIELD–Gov. Matt Blunt is continuing to keep his promise to increase funding for residential treatment services for Missouri children. Blunt today announced his plan to increase reimbursement rates by $5 per child, per day for residential treatment services to help reduce the funding gap that existed when he assumed office. Since taking office Blunt has successfully reduced the gap by almost one third.
“It is our responsibility to ensure a brighter future for all our children,” said Blunt, who frequently visits children and residential care facilities across the state. “Increasing rates for residential care facilities ensures the centers have resources to support children who have been victims of abuse and neglect and secures our vision that today's vulnerable children will grow to become tomorrow's invaluable citizens.”
Residential treatment programs offer long term or permanent care and treatment for children in the state's custody. They offer young victims of abuse and neglect the resources necessary to succeed. They care for at-risk children and offer permanent placement for children who cannot return home. Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, Edgewood Children’s Center, The Ozanam House, and Epworth are some of the state's largest providers. The governor will recommend a $5 per day rate increase in the budget he submits to the General Assembly later this month. The increase is approximately $1.2 million in new general revenue funding that will generate an additional $1.6 million in federal funds.
When he ran for governor, Blunt made a commitment to increasing the state’s payments towards children’s care. He has signed increases every year he has been governor. When he took office the funding gap between costs of care and state payments was estimated at around $50. Since taking office, the governor has increased reimbursement rates by $15. With the additional $5 increase he announced today, that gap would close to only $30.
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