Joint Health and Human Development Committee and Human Services Board Meeting
The committee and board held a public hearing to review the 2027 budget plan and strategic goals. The discussion centered on identifying budget requirements mandated by state and federal law, the Youth in Governance program, and trends in child welfare and youth justice. Key topics included the shift toward community-based services to reduce long-term costs, managing increased behavioral health demands, and strategies for regional collaboration to improve access to services and reduce institutional placement expenses. The presentation also highlighted the impact of an aging population on future resource needs.