The cost of child welfare services has jumped in Georgia. A new panel is about to dig into why.

Lawmakers in Georgia are investigating the rising cost of child welfare services, noting that foster care costs were projected to increase 159% since 2022. This investigation follows budget cuts made by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services due to an estimated $85 million deficit. Advocacy concerns also center on private companies allegedly delaying or denying medically necessary mental healthcare benefits covered under Medicaid.