As a member of the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth, and Family Services, I urge swift resolution to the ongoing state budget impasse. Delays in funding are placing immense strain on human services providers across the Commonwealth who serve children, youth, and families with complex needs.

Many agencies are now being forced to consider short-term, high-interest loans to sustain operations during this uncertain period. These loans only compound financial challenges—diverting limited resources from direct care, destabilizing our workforce, and threatening the continuity of critical services. Families are counting on us, and we cannot afford to put their support systems at risk.

The children’s services sector offers trauma-informed programs, counseling, education, and community-based interventions to serve at-risk youth, children with behavioral health needs, foster children, human trafficking survivors, and other populations. Our staff are dedicated professionals doing deeply impactful work—but they need stable funding to continue. The uncertainty is already undermining recruitment and retention, especially in high-demand roles like therapists and case managers.

We respectfully ask for your leadership in finalizing a budget this month so providers can continue offer essential care to families and children in your district. 

Thank you for your attention and service.