>>> PRESENTATION OF "IDAHO REPORTS" ON IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LAURA MOORE CUNNINGHAM FOUNDATION, COMMITTED TO FULFILLING THE MOORE AND BETTIS FAMILY LEGACY OF BUILDING THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO, BY THE FRIENDS OF IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION, AND BY THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING.

>>> MONTHS AFTER NEWS BROKE OF FOSTER CHILDREN NEEDING TO STAY IN HOTELS BECAUSE OF A LACK OF FOSTER FAMILIES, LAWMAKERS MADE NEW INVESTMENTS IN THE SYSTEM.

BUT IS -- FOR RECRUIT AND RETENTION.

BUT IS IT ENOUGH TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND IF NOT, WHAT IS NEEDS TO HAPPEN?

I'LL MELISSA DAVLIN.

"IDAHO REPORTS" STARTS NOW.

>>> HELLO AND WELCOME TO "IDAHO REPORTS."

THIS WEEK BETSY RUSSELL OF THE IDAHO PRESS JOINS ME TO DISCUSS THE LATEST IN THE LAWSUIT OVER IDAHO'S NEW YOU A BORINGS LAW.

THEN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR CAMERON GILLILAND AND PROGRAM SPECIALIST JULIEES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND WELFARE DISCUSS THE SESSIONS' INVESTMENTS IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM.

BUT FIRST, THE HIDE HOE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SAID FRIDAY IT HAS RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION OF MULTIPLE CASES OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS IN TWO DOMESTIC CHICKEN FLOCKS IN GOODING AND CARIBOU COUNTIES.

THE DISEASE IS HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS AND OFTEN FATAL TO CHICKENS, BUT IT IS UNCOMMON FOR THE VIRUS TO INFECT HUMANS.

IT'S NOT A FOOD-BORNE I WILL ILLNESS AS LONG AS -- ILLNESS, AS LONG AS PROPER COOKING GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED.

VISIT THE ISDA WEBSITE FOR UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION.

>>> IT'S PRIMARY ELECTION SEASON, AND THE IDAHO DEBATES BEG NEXT WEEK.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR FOREIGN DEBATE ON TUESDAY, 819TH.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC INSTRUCTION ON MONDAY, 825TH, AND REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR SECRETARY OF STATE ON USE APRIL 26TH.

ALL OF THE DEBATES WILL AIR ON IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION AT AIM P.M.

IN BOTH TIME -- AT 8:00 P.M.

IN BOTH TIME ZONES.

YOU'LL NOTICE A FEW HIGH FRO PILE -- PROFILE DEBATES ARE MISSING.

HERE TO DISCUSS THAT IS -- IDAHO PRESS CLUB HAS LONG BEEN A PART IN THE IDAHO DEBATES WITH IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION AND SEVERAL OTHER NONPARTISAN ENTITIES IN THE STATE.

SO I JUST WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE FOR TRANSPARENCY SAKE THAT BETSY AND I WORK TOGETHER TO PUT THESE DEBATES ON THE AIR.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

AND WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES.

OUR OTHER PARTNERS IN THE DEBATES IN ADDITION TO THE IDAHO PRESS CLUB AND IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION INCLUDE THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS AND ALL THREE OF IDAHO'S PUBLIC STATE UNIVERSITIES.

>> ON FRIDAY WE GOT NEWS THAT PRISCILLA GIDDINGS IS DROPPING OUT OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DEBATE.

>> RIGHT.

WHAT WAS UNUSUAL IS THERE HAVE BEEN SOMETIMES CANDIDATES WHO JUST DIDN'T CAN'T TO DEBATE, BUT THIS CANDIDATE HAD COMAITED -- COMMITTED TO THE DEBATE.

BOTH HAD COMMITTED, REPRESENTATIVE GIDDINGS AND SCOTT BEDKE.

AND THIS WAS THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE DEBATE ON MONDAY.

IT WAS SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY NIGHT AT 8:00 AND SHE BACKED OUT ON FRIDAY.

AND HER REASON FOR BACKING OUT WAS THAT SHE OBJECTED TO THE ENTIRE FORMAT OF THE D-BACKS, ESSENTIALLY -- DAIBZ, ESSENTIAL.

SHE WANTED TO HAVE HANDPICK OR HAVE APPROVAL OF WHICH REPORTERS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO SERVE ON THE PANEL TO ASK QUESTIONS.

AND FRANKLY, THAT'S NOT HOW THE IDAHO DEBATES WORK.

THE EYES HOE PRESS CLUB SELECTS THE REPORTERS.

IDAHO PUBLIC TELEVISION BROY, A MODERATOR AND BROADCASTS IT STATEWIDE.

IT'S NOT A HAND-SELECTED, QUERYING BY -- A PANEL THAT'S PICKED BECAUSE THEY'RE GONNA SEND SOFTBALLS.

IT'S JUST A GENERAL OPEN EXCHANGE.

AND SO REPRESENTATIVE GIDDINGS SAID IF SHE DIDN'T HAVE CITO POWER IN -- VETO POWER IN ADVANCE, AND SHE WAS GOING TO PULL OUT.

AND SHE DIDN'T GET THAT.

AND NO CANDIDATE HAS EVER HAD THAT.

SO SHE BACKED OUT THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE DEBATE.

SPEAKER BEDKE WAS MORE THAN WILLING TO DEBATE AND EXPRESSED QUITE A BIT OF DISAPPOINTMENT THAT HE'LL NOT GET THAT OPPORTUNITY TO DEBATE HIS OPPONENT.

>> AND SPEAKER BEDKE DIDN'T HAVE ANY PRE-REQ QUISITS FOR HIS -- PRE-REQ SITS FOR HIS DEBATE.

HE WAS WILLING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM WHOEVER YOU SLETTED.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> THE -- SHE WAS AFRAID THE REPORTERS WOULD BE BIASED AGAINST HER?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

SHE NAMED SOMEREPORTERS SHE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT.

THEY BENT ON THE PANEL, BUT THAT -- THEY WEREN'T ON THE PANEL.

BUT THAT DIDN'T MATTER.

HE CAMPAIGN MADE STATEMENTS THAT ALL REPORTERS ARE BIASED OR ALL REPORTERS AFFILIATED WITH THE IDAHO PRESS CLUB.

IT'S JUST THE ASSOCIATION OF WORKING JOURNALISTS IN IDAHO, FROM ALL MEDIA, NEWSPAPER, RADIO, TV.

WE'VE BEEN AROUND FOR MORE THAN FOUR DECADES.

WE'RE NOT BIASED!

WE INCLUDE PEOPLE OF ALL STRIPES.

THE ONE THING WE HAVEN'T -- WE ARE NEWS REPORTERS AND THAT'S OUR JOB.

>> I WANTED TO BRING UP THE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 2 RACE.

MIKE SIMPSON IS SEEKING ANOTHER TERM IN OFFICE.

HE ALSO DECLINED TO DEBATE █BUT FOR VERY DIFFERENT REASONS THAN REPRESENTATIVE GIDDINGS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

SO CONGRESSMAN SIMPSON HAS DEBATED ON THE IDAHO DEBATES MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE AND IS WELL FAMILIAR WITH THE FORMALITY.

HAD NO OBJECTIONS TO THE FORMAT, OTHER THAN IN THIS CASE, WHAT HIS CAMPAIGN SAID WAS HE DID NOT WANT TO DEBATE HIS CHALLENGER THIS TIME IN THE PRIMARY, BRIAN SMITH.

AND INTERESTINGLY, BRIAN SMITH CHALLENGED REPRESENTATIVE SIMPSON BEFORE EIGHT YEARS AGO AND THE TWO OF THEM D-BACKED IN THE IDAHO -- DEBATED IN THE IDAHO DEBATES.

BUT THIS TIME AROUND SIMPSON'S CAMPAIGN SAID THEY BELIEVE THAT IDAHO DOESN'T NEED TO HEAR ANY MORE FROM BRIAN SMITH AND THAT'S WHY HE DIDN'T CAN'T TO DEBATE HIM ON STATEWIDE LIVE TV.

GENERALLY IT'S NOT -- TO MAKE THAT DECISION WHETHER IDAHO SHOULD HEAR FROM THEM OR NOT.

BUT AS A RESULT WE DO NOT HAVE A DEBATE IN THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT.

THERE WERE ONLY TWO CANDIDATE WHO'S HAD QUALIFIED AND YOU CAN'T HAVE A DEBATE WITH JUST ONE CANDIDATE AND NO ONE FOR THEM TO DEBATE.

>> AND BRIAN SMITH WAS VERY MOTIVATED TO DEBATE.

FROM WHERE I WAS SITTING, IN MY PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS, WAS VERY RESPONSIVE TO ALL OF THE LETTERS AND EMAILS THAT WE SENT HIM.

AND SO A VERY DIFFERENT SITUATION THAN WHAT WE SAW WITH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CAMPAIGN.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> THAT'S A VERY ACTIVE RACE, TOO, WITH -- >> IT IS.

>> BOTH CANDIDATES RUNNING HARD.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

IN FACT, I DID A STORY IN THE IDAHO PRESS EARLIER THIS WEEK THAT THE TWO CANDIDATES HAD BECOME ENGAGED IN KIND OF A WHO'S THE TRUMPIEST CONTEST BETWEEN BRIAN SMITH'S TV ADS AND CONGRESS SIMPSON'S CAMPAIGN MAILERS.

EACH SAYING THAT THEY WERE MORE SUPPORTIVE OF PRESIDENT TRUMP AND THE OTHER WAS INSUFFICIENTLY SUPPORTIVE OF PRESIDENT TRUMP WHICH GIVES YOU A FLAVOR PERHAPS HOW THAT PRIMARY RACE IS PLAYING OUT.

IT IS A VERY ACTIVE CAMPAIGN.

THAT'S TOO BAD FOR THE VOTERS THAT THERE'S NOT AN OPEN DEBATE THAT EVERYBODY CAN WATCH.

>> THERE'S STILL ONE DEBATE THAT WE ARE MISSING FROM THE SCHEDULE RIGHT NOW.

AND TO BE CLEAR, BEFORE WE GET TO THAT, WE SEND OUT INVITATIONS TO SUBMIT MATERIALS FOR CONSIDERATION FOR OUR DEBATES FOR ALL CANDIDATES WHO HAVE A CHALLENGED PRIMARY.

AND SO NOT ALL -- NOT ALL RACES HAVE CANDIDATES WHO SUBMIT MATERIALS AND WE CAN'T HAVE DEBATES WITH JUST ONE CANDIDATE.

NOT ALL CANDIDATES QUALIFY BASED ON OUR OBJECTIVE CRITERIA AND SOME CANDIDATES WE IN EVER HEAR FROM.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

AND WE CAN'T DRAG THEM OFF THE STREET AND FORCE THEM TO DEBATE IF THEY DON'T WANT TO!

>> EXACTLY.

SO WE'VE GOTTEN A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT WHY ARE THERE NO DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES ON THE PRIMARY SCHEDULE -- DEBATES ON THE PRIMARY SCHEDULE.

WE DIDN'T HEAR FROM THE CANDIDATES OR THEY DIDN'T QUALIFY -- >> OR THE RACES WERE UNOPPOSED.

>> EXACTLY.

THE HIGHEST PROFILE RACE THAT WE DO NOT HAVE OUR ON ASK YOUR -- ON OUR SCHEDULE IS THE GOP GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE AND AS OF 1:30 ON FRIDAY WHEN YOU AND I ARE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION, WE STILL HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE GOVERNOR LITTLE CAMPAIGN OVER WHETHER OR NOT HE'LL EVEN DAIKS IN THE FERS -- DEBATE IN THE PHYSICAL PLAYERS.

>> -- FIRST PLACE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

AND THIS DEBATE HAS BEEN TENTATIVELY TO OUR SCHEDULE ALL ALONG.

WE'RE HOPEFUL OF HEARING FROM THE GOVERNOR'S CAMPAIGN MOMENTARILY.

WE HAD INITIALLY SET A DEADLINE OF LAST FRIDAY.

THEIR CAMPAIGN SAID THEY HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THIS FRIDAY.

WE'RE STILL WAITING.

I ASKED MIDDAY ARE WE GONNA KNOW SOON.

AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD DECIDE BY THE END OF THE DAY TODAY.

>> AND I KNOW THAT OUR FRIENDS AT KT -- ARE IN THE SAME HOLDING PATTERN, THAT THEY DON'T HAVE A CONFIRMED DEBATE EITHER.

AND TO BE CLEAR, BOTH JANIS McGUILLEN AND ED HUMPHRIES ARE ONCE AGAIN HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND HAVE BEEN RESPONSIVE TO ALL OF OUR INQUIRY THAT IS WE HAVE SENT OUT -- QUERIES THAT WE HAVE SENT OUT.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THERE'S A CERTAIN ADVANTAGE TO GET INTO THE DEBATE BECAUSE THEY GET TO BE ON THE SAME LEVEL AS THE INCUMBENT, WHICH THERE ARE FEW OTHER PLATFORMS IN WHICH THEY ARE, BUT THERE ARE SOME.

SO INCUMBENTS IN SOME WAYS TAKE A RISK BY DEBATING THEIR CHALLENGERS.

BUT THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CASE.

AND IN IDAHO, INCUMBENTS HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO TAKE THAT RISK IN ORDER TO MAKE THEIR CASE TO THE VOTERS OF IDAHO AS TO WHY THEY SHOULD BE RE-ELECTED RATHER THAN ONE OF THEIR CHALLENGERS ELECTED IN THEIR PLACE.

AND IN FACT, NO INCUMBENT GOVERNOR SEEKING RE-ELECTION IN IDAHO HAS EVER DECLINED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IDAHO DEBATES IN THE LAST THREE DECADES.

>> SO IF HE WERE TO TURN DOWN THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE VOTERS OF IDAHO ON A STATEWIDE PLATFORM, IT WOULD BE UNPRECEDENTED.

>> IT WOULD.

>> FOR OUR MODERN TINE.

-- TIME.

IF JANIS McGEACHIN HER BUDGET MADE NEWS THIS WEEK.

>> ONCE AGAIN.

I GUESS WE SHOULD SAY LACK OF BUDGET.

THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR HAS OVERSPENT HER OFFICE BUDGET IN PART BECAUSE SHE HAD A JUDGMENT AGAINST HER IN A LAWSUIT FROM FULL DISCLOSURE, THE IDAHO PRESS CLUB, OVER FAILING TO RELEASE PUBLIC RECORDS.

AND THE IDAHO PRESS CLUB BROUGHT THAT LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF REPORTERS FROM MULTIPLE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS WHO HAD THE SAME ISSUE.

THE PRESS CLUB WON.

THE JUDGE FINED THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, AND ORDERED HER TO PAY THE OTHER SIDE'S ATTORNEY'S FEES WHICH SHE DID.

BUT AS A RESULT HER OFFICE BUDGET, WHICH IS QUITE SMALL, IS SHORT AND SHE REQUESTED A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION TO ADD MORE STATE GENERAL FUNDS TO HER BUDGET TO COVER THAT.

BUT THE JOINT FINANCE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE NEVER ACTED ON IT.

AND SHE HAS JUST PROCEEED ALONG.

SHE HAS NOW RUN INTO A POINT WHERE HER BUDGET IS IN THE RED.

AND THIS WEEK THE IDAHO CAPITAL SUN REPORTED THAT THE STATE DIVISION OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT HAD SET A DEADLINE FOR HER TO SUBMIT A PLAN TO DEAL WITH THE SHORTFALL BECAUSE STATE LAW FOREIGN BITS SPENDING ANY MONEY THAT HASN'T BEEN APPROPRIATED.

AND INITIALLY SHE MISSED THE DEADLINE.

THEN SHE SPOTTED AND SAID JUST -- SHE RESPONDED, JUST TAKE MY SALARY.

SHE MAY HAVE TO GIVE HER HEALTH COVERAGE.

ALL OF HER STAFF IS GONE.

IT'S NOT CLEAR WHETHER THEY CAN COVER VENDOR PAYMENTS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.

>> AND THE FISCAL RUNS UNTIL THE END OF JUNE.

THE NEW ONE ON JULY 1ST.

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> ON A DIFFERENT TOPIC, THERE IS NEW NEWS ON THE ABORTION LAWSUIT.

IT WAS STAYED LATE LAST FRIDAY BUT NOT STAYED ON THE MERITS OF THE LAW ITSELF.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THE IDAHO SUPREME COURT ISSUED AN ORDER STAYING THE LAW FROM TAKING EFFECT WHILE IT IS BEING CHALLENGED.

BUT THAT IS A PROCEDURAL THING.

AND PART OF THE REASON FOR THAT IS THAT THE PLAINTIFFS, PLANNED PARENTHOOD, ARE REQUESTED AN EXPEDITED SKILL TO HAVE IT MOVE QUICKLY, BECAUSE THE LAW WAS SCHEDULED TO TAKE EFFECT -- I BELIEVE IT'S COMING UP, APRIL 22nd.

>> RIGHT.

>> AND THE ATTORNEY ATTORNEY GES OFFICE ARGUED THAT THE BRIEFING SCHEDULE THAT THE COURT SET WAS FAR TOO SPEEDY TO ALLOW THEM TO MOUNT AN ADEQUATE DEFENSE OF THIS STATE LAW WHICH THEY WANTED TO DO.

AND SO THEY ASKED FOR MORE TIME.

AND SO WHAT THE COURT DID WAS WE'LL ALLOW MORE TIME, BUT WE WILL STAY THE EFFECT WHILE WE PROCEED ON THIS.

AND THEN THERE HAS BEEN SOME BACK AND FORTH ABOUT THAT, BECAUSE THAT LED TO BLAINE FROM -- FAMILY POLICY INSTITUTE, THE GROUP THAT ACTUALLY PROMOTED AND VAPTSED THIS -- ADVANCED THIS BILL THIS YEAR, CHARGING INITIALLY THAT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE HAD CUT A DEAL WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD TO PUT THE LAW ON HOLD AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE SAID THAT WAS FALSE.

AND BASICALLY THERE'S A LOT MORE NUANCE TO IT THAN THAT.

>> THAT WAS THE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, NOT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

>> YES E THE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

THE MERITS OF THIS BILL HAVE NOT YET -- ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE.

THE MERITS OF THIS BILL HAVE NOT BEEN ADDRESSED.

THEY WILL BE ADDRESSED, AND POSSIBLY WE DON'T KNOW YET IN ORAL ARGUMENTS.

>> ON THE MERITS OF THE CASE, AND ALSO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S ROLE IN THIS, IT MADE NEWS THAT THERE WERE QUESTIONS AS TO WHETHER THIS LAW WOULD BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL WITH SOME WHO ARE PRO-LIFE, WHO ARE ANTI-ABORTION, SAYING WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE NOVEL ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM OF THIS LAW.

AND WHETHER IT WILL STAND UP IN COURT.

BUT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS CHARGED WITH DEFENDING STATE LAW, EVEN IF HE THINKS THAT IT MIGHT NOT MEET CONSTITUTIONAL MUSTER.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL I THINK WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE SPONSORS OF THE BILL TRYING TO GET IT TO MEET CONSTITUTIONAL MUSTER.

AND THAT'S REALLY THE PURPOSE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINIONS THAT ARE ISSUED DURING THE SESSION.

IS TO WORK WITH LEGISLATORS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR BILLS ARE CRAFTED IN A WAY THAT MAKES THEM DEFENSIBLE, BECAUSE THAT'S THE JOB OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.

BUT I THINK THE MOST HIGH PROFIEL PRO-LIFE PERSON WHO RAISED THAT ISSUE WAS THE GOVERNOR, BRAD LITTLE, WHO IN HIS TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR SIGNING THE BILL SID THAT HE FEARED THAT IT WOULD SOON BE FOUND BOTH UNWISE AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

NEVERTHELESS, HE SIGNED IT INTO LAW.

BASICALLY, ON THE BASIS OF IDEALOGY AND PRO-LIFE BELIEFS.

BUT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY MEAN DANGER IN A COURT CHALLENGE.

>> WELL, AND I AM SURE THAT HOW THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INCUL BELT AND HIS -- INCUMBENT AND HIS CHALLENGERS WOULD HANDLE SUCH CASES WILL COME IN TUESDAY'S DEBATE.

BETSY RUSSELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS, MELISSA.

>>> ONE MORE NOTE ON ELECTIONS APRIL 22nd, IS THE DEADLINE TO PREREGISTER TO VOTE.

IF YOU MISS THAT CUTOFF, DON'T WORRY.

YOU CAN STILL REGISTER IN PERSON AT YOUR POLLING PLACE ON ELECTION DAY, OR IF VOTING EARLY IN PERSON.

THE DEADLINE TO REQUEST A MADE ABSENTEE BALLOT IS FRIDAY, MAY 6TH.

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, MAY 17TH.

>>> JOINING ME TO DISCUSS EFFORTS TO SHORE UP IDAHO'S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM ARE CAMERON GILLILAND, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR, AND JULIEE, FAMILY -- JULIE SEVCIK, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAM SPECIALIST FOR FOSTER CARE.

CAMERON, I WANTED TO START WITH YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TODAY.

CAN YOU TELL ME HOW CASELOADS CHANGE DURING THE PANDEMIC.

>> SO THE -- I WOULDN'T SAY THAT THE PANDEMIC CHANGED OUR CASELOADS BUT SEEMED TO -- WHAT SEEMED TO CHANGE OUR CASELOADS WAS THE ECONOMY AND PAIN WHAT YOU WOULD -- AND MAYBE WHAT YOU WOULD CALL THE GREAT RESIGNATION THAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE SEEING A LOT OF PEOPLE LEAVING.

BUT IT HAS HAD AN IMPACT.

WE -- WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL SOCIAL WORKERS LEAVE AND FOR VARIOUS REASONS.

AND AS THEY'VE GONE, THEIR CASES ARE TAKEN UP BY OTHER SOCIAL WORKERS AND CAUSING A LITTLE BIT MORE STRESS AND MAYBE EVEN CAUSING SOME MORE TURNOVER.

SO WE'VE ACTUALLY SEEN ABOUT A 30% TURNOVER IN THE LAST YEAR, WHICH IS HIGH FOR US.

AND SO WE'VE BEEN STRUGGLING TO REPLACE THOSE FOLKS AND ALSO TO COVER THE WORKLOAD.

THERE'S BEEN A NUMBER OF THINGS TO DO THAT OVER THE PAST YEAR.

>> I KNOW THAT A NUMBER OF STATE AGENCIES IN IDAHO HAVE LOST EMPLOYEES BECAUSE OF A COMBINATION OF PAY AND THE COST OF LIVING.

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS?

IS IT JUST BURNOUT OR IS IT PAY AS WELL?

>> WELL, I THINK PAY PLAYS SOME PART IN IT.

EVERYBODY IS KIND OF LOOKING TO MAKE MORE NOWADAYS WITH INFLATION AND EVERYTHING.

BUT REALLY, I LOOK AT THE EXIT INTERVIEWS FOR OUR PEOPLE WHO LEAVE, AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON IS STRESS.

AND SO SOCIAL WORK IS STRESSFUL.

IT'S ONE OF THE MOST STRESSFUL JOBS YOU CAN HAVE.

SO YOU CAN IMAGINE.

AND SO AS PEOPLE HAVE LEFT, THEY CITE THAT STRESS AND THAT BURNOUT.

AND WE HAVE BURNOUT -- WE HAD BURNOUT BEFORE THIS.

IT SEEMS TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE SEVERE NOW.

AND IT WAS MADE MORE SEVERE PROBABLY BY THE PANDEMIC AND THE -- WITH GETTING KIDS AND THAT SORT OF THING AS WELL, AS WELL AS FAMILIES BECOMING MORE ISOLATED DURING THE PANDEMIC WITH CHILDREN NOT GOING TO SCHOOL AND.

AND SO WHEN CHILDREN AREN'T IN SCHOOL, TEACHERS DON'T SEE THEM AS MUCH.

SO SOMETIMES THINGS GO ON A LITTLE BIT LONGER THAN THEY WOULD HAVE IF CHILDREN HAD BEEN AT SCHOOL.

>> AS FAR AS ISSUES OF -- ALLEGED NEGLECT OR -- >> YEAH.

EDUCATORS ARE ONE OF OUR PRIMARY REFERRAL SOURCES.

AND SO MY WIFE IS A TEACHER.

AND TEACHERS SEE CHILDREN AND THEY SEE WHAT'S GOING ON IN THEIR LIVES.

AND SO IF THEY SEE THINGS THAT ARE CONCERNING, THEY WILL MAKE A CALL TO US.

AND SO WE'LL GO OUT AND INVESTIGATE THAT.

SO I THINK THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS WE WERE MISSING DURING THE PANDEMIC.

>> THERE'S ALSO THE QUESTION OF RECRUITING AND RETAINING FOSTER FAMILIES AS WELL.

AND OUR FRIENDS AT THE IDAHO CAPITAL SUN, ESPECIALLY REPORTER KELSEYES -- MORRIS, SHE'S DONE A FANTASTIC JOB REPORTING ON THE SHORTAGE OF FOSTER FAMILIES IN IDAHO.

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS IN THAT SHORTAGE?

>> SO THERE'S A LOT OF FACTORS THAT PLAY.

THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN ONE OF THEM BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN DIFFICULT FOR FAMILIES TO MAKE A DECISION TO BRING ADDITIONAL PEOPLE INTO THEIR HOME.

WE HAVE SOME FOSTER FAMILIES WHO HAVE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARET A HIESK RISK, SO THEY HAVE TO BE -- ARE AT HIGHER RISK, SO THEY HAVE TO BE CAREFUL.

>> INTRODUCING PEOPLE.

>> THEY'LL BE VISITING WITH THEIR PARENTS, AND SO HAVING THEM COME BACK AFTER VISITING WAS A CHALLENGE FOR SOME OF OUR FAMILIES.

THE ECONOMY IS ANOTHER ISSUE.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE TALK ABOUT IS FAMILIES BEING ABLE TO BE FINANCIALLY STABLE ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT ANY ASSISTANCE FROM A FOSTER CARE REIMBURSEMENT, BUT ALSO HAVING ENOUGH SPACE IN THEIR HOME TO CARE FOR ADDITIONAL CHILDREN.

SO IT'S DIFFICULT TO ASK A FAMILY TO TAKE IN ADDITIONAL CHILDREN WHEN THEIR HOME IS NOT LARGE ENOUGH.

AND WITH THE RISE IN INFLATION AND THE RISE IN HOUSING COSTS, ESPECIALLY HERE IN THE TREASURE VALLEY, THAT'S MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR FAMILIES TO TAKE MORE CHILDREN EVEN THOUGH THAT I HAD LIKE TO.

THEY CAN'T AFFORD -- THEY'D LIKE TO.

THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO MOVE A LARGER HOME.

>> THERE'S NO ONE SINGLE ANSWER TO FIX ALL OF THOSE PROBLEMS.

>> RIGHT.

>> BUT AFTER SOME OF THAT COVERAGE CAME OUT ABOUT THE SHORTAGE OF FOSTER FAMILIES, ARE YOU SEEING AN UPTICK IN FAMILIES INQUIRING ABOUT BECOMING FOSTER PARENTS?

>> SO WE ARE SEEING AN UPTICK IN OUR INQUIRE RIESS.

AND ONE OF THE -- INQUIRIES.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS I ATTRIBUTED THAT TO IS WHEN WE HAVE A MEDIA OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THE CURRENT SITUATION, WE SEE A DRAMATIC INCLINE IN THE NUMBER OF CALLS TO IDAHO CARE LINE, WHICH IS THE EASIEST WAY TO FIND OUT ABOUT BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT.

SO TYPICALLY THE WEEK AFTER WE HAVE A MEDIA EXPERIENCE, WE'LL SEE ALMOST DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF CALLS.

AND THE NIGHTS THING ABOUT THAT IS THAT WHEN -- NICE THING ABOUT THAT IS THAT WHEN FAMILIES INQUIRY, IT'S NOT THAT THAT DAY AND THAT MOMENT IS WHEN THEY'RE PREPARED TO BEGIN BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT.

BUT IT'S WHEN THEY START GATHERING INFORMATION.

THE MORE INFORMATION THEY GATHER ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FOSTER PARENT, MAKING THE DECISION ABOUT AM I READY TO BE A FOSTER PARENT, AT MAYBE SIX MONTHS OR A CAREER DOWN THE ROAD THAT WE SEE THEM BECOME LICENSED, BUT THEY'RE MORE PREPARED TO BECOME LICENSED BECAUSE THEY STARTED TALKING ABOUT IT.

>> FOR FAMILIES WHO ARE INTERESTED, HOW DO THEY CONTACT THE IDAHO LINE?

>> THEY CAN CALL 2 LIVEN.

ALSO ACCESS THAT ONLINE.

OUR APPLICATION IS ALSO ONLINE ON THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE.

WE ALSO PARTNER WITH IDAHO FOSS -- FOSTERING IDAHO AND THERE IS A WEBSITE FOR THEM AS WELL.

THERE'S ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

BUT IF YOU GO TO THE DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE, WE HAVE AN FAQ SECTION THAT PROVIDES QUITE A FEW ANSWERS OF WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BE READY TO BE A FOSTER PARENT.

ONE OF OUR RESOURCE PEER MENTORS WILL CONTACT THEM TO HELP ANSWER QUESTIONS.

I'LL EXPLAIN WHAT A RESOURCE PEER MENTOR IS.

THESE ARE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE EXPERIENCED FOSTER PARENTS.

THEY'RE EERTDZ CURRENTLY -- EITHER CURRENTLY FOSTERING OR THEY HAVE IN THE PAST.

WE HAVE DONE THIS.

THEY KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FOSTER PARENT.

SO I TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT, I'VE WALKED ALONGSIDE FOSTER PARENTS FOR ABOUT 20 YEARS.

I HAVEN'T BEEN A FOSTER PARENT.

SO WHEN YOU TALK TO SOMEONE WHO REALLY UNDERSTANDS WHAT THAT IS LIKE AND ESPECIALLY WITH THAT FIRST PLACEMET MIGHT BE LIKE, IT REALLY HELPS THEM TO DECIDE, IS THIS THE RIGHT TIME FOR ME.

>> AND IT'S CERTAINLY MORE THAN PROVIDING A PLACE TO SLEEP, FOOD TO EAT, FOR THESE FOSTER FAMILIES.

>> IT REALLY IS.

YEAH.

THEY REALLY BRING THESE CHILDREN INTO THEIR HOME AND CARE FOR THEM.

AND THE OTHER PART IS THEY LEARN TO LOVE AND CARE FOR THEIR PARENTS AS WELL.

WE REALLY ASK FOSTER PARENTS TO ENGAGE WITH AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH BIRTH PARENTS.

>> YOU KNOW, I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE -- SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES THAT FOSTER FAMILIES FACE.

AND CERTAINLY A LOT OF THEM ARE EMOTIONAL.

SOME OF THEM ARE FINANCIAL, THOUGH, HOWEVER.

AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT THE LEGISLATURE DID ADDRESS THIS PAST YEAR.

>> YEAH.

WE WERE HAPPY THAT THE LEGISLATURE PASSED OUR REQUEST FOR INCREASED FOSTER PARENTS MAINTENANCE RATES.

SO OUR RATES WENT UP BETWEEN 30 AND 60% FOR FOSTER PARENTS.

AND IDAHO HAD THE LOWEST RATE IN -- IN THE WEST AS FAR AS FOSTER PARENT RATES GO.

AND NOW WE'RE ABOUT -- ABOUT IN THE MIDDLE.

AND SO THE RATES WENT FROM ABOUT 400 TO $700 FOR CHILDREN TO -- ABOUT 600 TO 900.

AND THE RATES ARE DISTRIBUTED ACCORDING TO CHILD'S AGE AND THEY'RE BASED OFF OF STUDIES THAT SHOW HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO RAISE KIDS.

SO WE'RE HAPPY THAT THAT HAPPENED.

AND THE LEGISLATURE WAS REALLY FORWARD THINKING IN THAT.

WE THINK THAT WILL TAKE A BURDEN OFF OF FOSTER PARENTS, BECAUSE THEY DO PROVIDE SO MUCH.

THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO ALSO PROVIDE MONEY ON TOP OF THAT.

SO WE THINK THAT THAT'S GOING TO BE ENOUGH TO -- TO BE GOOD MAINTENANCE FOR THOSE FAMILIES.

>> THAT'S ON THE FOSTER FAMILY SIDE.

BACK TO THE SOCIAL WORKER AND IDHW EMPLOYEE SIDE.

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE THAN THE LEGISLATURE COULD DO TO HELP WITH RECRUITMENT AND PAYMENT ISSUE?

>> THEY'VE DONE A LOT THIS YEAR.

SO IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL PAY INCREASE THAT THE LEGISLATURE DOES, WHICH IS A 3% THIS YEAR, THEY ALSO GIVE US A TARGETED 7% RATE INCREASE FOR SOME OF OUR SOCIAL WORKERS, WHICH I THINK WILL HELP OUT A LOT.

THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT FOR OUR FOLKS.

SO OVERALL, IT WILL BE A 10% INCREASE FOR SOME OF OUR SOCIAL WORKERS WHICH I'M HOPING WILL RETAIN THAT.

THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN UNTIL JULY, SO WE'RE NOT SURE YET HOW THAT WILL IMPACT ALTHOUGH THEY KNOW IT'S COMING.

>> WHEN YOU HAVE A SHORTAGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN ONE PART OF THE STATE OR STATEWIDE, ULTIMATELY HOW DOES THAT AFFECT SYSTEM?

>> WELL, IT HAS IMPACT FOSS CHILDREN -- FOR CHILDREN AND FOSTER PARENTS, FRANKLY.

THE -- WHAT HAS OCCURRED IS EVERYTHING KIND OF SLOWS DOWN.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SOCIAL WORKER LEAVES IS THEIR CASES ARE GIVEN TO EVERYBODY WHO'S LEFT.

SO EVERYBODY HAS MORE WORK TO DO.

AND THEY'RE JUST NOT ABLE TO DO AS GOOD WORK AS THEY WOULD HAVE WITH MORE STAFFING.

SO I WOULD SAY OUR SOCIAL WORKERS WANT TO DO GREAT WORK.

AND WITH A LIMITED STAFFING, THEY'RE JUST ABLE TO DO GOOD WORK.

AND SO WHAT THAT MEANS FOR CHILDREN IS REALLY JUST TAKES MORE TIME FOR THINGS TO OCCUR.

SO YOU WANT CASES TO MOVE ALONG.

YOU WANT CHILDREN TO IT'S BE REUNIFIED WITH THEIR FAMILIES OR YOU WANT THEM TO MOVE TO FOSTER CARE AND THEN MAYBE BE ADOPTED.

IT TAKES A SOCIAL WORKER MORE TIME TO WORK WITH A FAMILIES, THE BIRTH FAMILIES, AND EITHER TO FIND THEY'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO RETURN THOSE KIDS OR THAT THEY'LL HAVE TO MOVE ALONG.

AND SO WE CAN'T SEE THEM AS OFTEN.

WE CAN'T SEE THE KIDS AS OFTEN.

IT JUST SLOWS EVERYTHING DOWN.

AND WE CAN BE MORE EFFICIENT AND BETTER WITH FULL STAFF.

>> AND RECENTLY THERE HAS BEEN MORE OF A CONVERSATION IN SOME POLITICAL CIRCLES AND ONE RECENT HIGH BRO FILE CASE IN WHICH PEOPLE -- PROFILE CASE IN WHICH PEOPLE THOUGHT CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES HAD OVERSTEPPED ITS BOUNDS.

THAT RESULTED IN A NUMBER OF -- EVERYTHING FROM POSTS ONLINE TO PROTESTS.

AND I -- IS THAT SOMETHING YOU'RE CONCERNED ABOUT AFFECTING SOARM WORKER -- SOCIAL WORKER RECRUIT AND RETENTION?

>> WELL, IT HAS RECEIVED A LOT OF ATTENTION.

AND YOU KNOW THAT SOCIAL WORKERS ARE THINKING ABOUT THAT.

THE SOCIAL WORKERS ARE MOTIVATED BY THE GOOD THEY CAN DO.

AND I THINK AS THEY COME INTO CONTACT WITH A CHILD WELFARE PROGRAM, AND DO THAT WORK, THEY RECOGNIZE THE GOOD THAT'S THERE.

AND I SCRNT MET A SOCIAL -- HAVEN'T MEAT A SOCIALWORKER WHO'S LEFT US OR WHO'S WITH US WHO DOESN'T FEEL LIKE THEY'RE DOING GREAT WORK.

AND WHAT GREATER WORK CAN YOU DO BUT TO HELP CHILDREN REALLY, REALLY SAVE CHILDREN OR SAVE FAMILIES.

IT IS JUST A TREMENDOUS JOB.

IT'S HARD.

BUT WE -- YOU KNOW, I JUST HAVE A TON OF SOCIAL WORKERS THAT I'VE TALKED TO THAT I'VE RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM THAT TELL ME HOW MUCH THIS MEANS TO THEM AND WHEN THEY RETIRE, THEY MOVE ON.

EVEN THOSE THAT LEAVE US ARE JUST REALLY -- FEEL LIKE THEY'VE DONE GREAT WORK.

AND LASTING WORK.

I MEAN, WHAT BETTER WORK COULD YOU DO.

>> WE HAVE ABOUT A MINUTE LEFT.

BUT I'M WONDERING WHEN IT COMES TO RECRUITING FAMILIES, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST NEEDS RIGHT NOW?

>> OUR GREATEST NEED IS FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE THE SKILLS TO HELP TO MANAGE CHILDREN WHO ARE OLDER.

SO OUR ABLE IS 12 TO 18.

-- AGE IS 12 TO 18 WHO MAY HAVE SOME BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES.

SORRY WE'RE LOOKING FOR FAMILIES TO SUPPORT THAT YOUTH AS WELL AS FAMILIES WHO CAN CARE FOR SIBLING GROUPS.

THE HIGHER NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND HOW MANY CHILDREN CAN YOU HAVE IN YOUR HOME.

WHENEVER POSSIBLE WE KEEP SIBLINGS TOGETHER, BUT THAT CAN BE CHALLENGING RIGHT NOW.

>> ARE THERE ENOUGH SUPPORTS FOR MORE CHALLENGING CASES FOR FOSTER FAMILIES WHO TAKE IN THOSE CHILDREN?

>> WE COULD DO BETTER.

WE'RE VERY CLEAR WHAT THEY'RE GETTING INTO AND WHO'S COMING TO THEM, WHICH IS WHICH HAS LED TO DIFFICULTY PLACING.

WE DO HAVE A TREATMENT FOSTER CARE CONTRACTS COMING INTO PLACE HERE LATER THIS SUMMER AND WE'RE THINKING THAT WILL HELP FILL THE GAP, WHERE THEY'LL GET MORE TRAINING AND MORE EXPERIENCE TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE THOSE DIFFICULT CASES.

>> WE'LL HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH SO MUCH FOR JOINING US TODAY AND TALKING ABOUT THIS CRITICAL TOPIC.

AND THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

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