Agenda - 08-22-2006-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: August 22, 2006 Action Agenda Item No. CI _ G SUBJECT: Request for Additional Childcare Subsidy Funding DEPARTMENT: Social Services PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT (S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Coston, 245-2802 PURPOSE: To consider approving a reallocation of $100,000 from anticipated Medicaid savings to serve families waiting for child care subsidies. BACKGROUND: In recent years, the cost of childcare in Orange County has increased substantially. For example, in 2001, monthly child care costs for an infant was in the neighborhood of $700 compared to today s cost of $1,000. This increase coupled with increases in other day-to-day basic living expenses such as gasoline, food and clothing have taken its tall on everyone -especially low income employed families. While Orange County's childcare assistance program has received additional County, state, and federal funds, unfortunately, the increased funds from all sources have not kept up with the pace of rising needs far childcare assistance for those families most affected -the low income employed families with young children. Currently, there are 451 families (a total of 539 children) on Orange County's childcare assistance waiting list, and some of those working families have been on the list since March 2005. It is important to note that, in Orange County, the monthly cost of child care for all age groups, on average, ranges from $800 to $1,100. The average annual cost per child to the subsidy program after adjusting for the required parent fees is approximately $4,700. These averages include all children whether they receive full or part-time care.. The Board appointed a Child Care Task Force in 2005 to explore various community alternatives far assisting families in need.. While the Task Farce continues its work and plans to report its findings to the Commissioners in September, one area of consensus from all community stakeholders is that there is not sufficient funding to assist all families who are in need. Alternatives discussed by the Task Force to date include the need to increase the overall availability of childcare, including possible partnerships with businesses and other employers..