Alabama Department of Human Resources (ADHR) officials recently shared data at a meeting in Montgomery showcasing significant progress in the state’s child welfare system. High school graduation rates among children in ADHR care hit a record high in 2023, with 199 graduates. Additionally, adoption rates are up, and the overall number of children in care has decreased.
However, the growing strain on DHR due to relinquishments, where parents voluntarily give up their children, remains a challenge. Children exhibiting violent behaviors are often surrendered to the state, posing issues for the child welfare system not initially designed to handle such cases.
Furthermore, the extension of the foster care system in Alabama to include youths up to 21 has brought new challenges, such as dealing with issues like psychosis and sexualized behaviors among older children. Some children coming out of the Department of Youth Services as registered sex offenders are struggling to find placement within the DHR system.
The strain on Alabama’s foster care system is further compounded by factors such as understaffing and provider contract compliance issues. The ADHR currently partners with other state agencies to manage the children in its care.
In response to these challenges, Alabama lawmakers allocated $144.2 million to the ADHR in the 2025 General Fund budget, a 13.2% increase over the previous year. Despite the hurdles, ADHR officials remain committed to improving the child welfare system and ensuring the safety and well-being of the children under their care.
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Photo credit aldailynews.com
