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The Department of Human Services (DHS) Needs-Based Plan and Budget articulates Allegheny County’s priorities, planned services, and resource needs for serving children and families. In particular, those children and families who are involved with, or at risk of involvement with, the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. It is submitted annually to the PA Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families, with a deadline of August 15th.
Safely Reducing the Number of Children in Out-of-Home Care
Quickly connecting families who are referred to child welfare with more supports to prevent issues from escalating to crises
Reprocuring and strengthening family preservation services to keep families safe and together
Promoting Permanency Among Child Welfare Cases
Launching a pilot aftercare program to support and sustain successful reunification
Continuing successful implementation of increased subsidy rate to ensure adoptive caregivers and permanent legal custodians (PLC) have the resources needed to effectively support children and youth in their care
Supporting At-Risk Young People to Prevent System Involvement
Supporting young people to achieve stability and independence through robust Independent Living (IL) supports
Launching new Reconnect and Rise program to connect youth with role models, paid training and employment opportunities
Facing Rising Costs and Reductions to Safety Net Programs
Recruiting and retaining a high-quality agency and provider workforce in the face of inflation and labor market shifts
Ensuring families have access to all benefits they qualify for and are able to meet their basic needs
Supporting Youth with Complex Needs
Engaging in cross-agency service coordination to address the specific needs of each youth through the Systems Alignment Process
Expanding safe and high-quality placements with supportive services, including additional shelter and intensive residential programs
Supporting placement providers to enhance staffing and supervision levels to meet the requirements of new state licensing standards
Public Hearing and Public Comments
The public comment period will be open until August 15, 2026.
In 2026, the 2027-28 Needs-Based Plan and Budget Public Hearing will be held as part of the upcoming State of Human Services session on child and family well-being. DHS Interim Alex Jutca and Dr. Cheryl Hall-Russell will discuss the current state of child welfare and family strengthening supports in Allegheny County.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) Needs-Based Plan and Budget articulates Allegheny County’s priorities, planned services, and resource needs for serving children and families. In particular, those children and families who are involved with, or at risk of involvement with, the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. It is submitted annually to the PA Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families, with a deadline of August 15th.
Safely Reducing the Number of Children in Out-of-Home Care
Quickly connecting families who are referred to child welfare with more supports to prevent issues from escalating to crises
Reprocuring and strengthening family preservation services to keep families safe and together
Promoting Permanency Among Child Welfare Cases
Launching a pilot aftercare program to support and sustain successful reunification
Continuing successful implementation of increased subsidy rate to ensure adoptive caregivers and permanent legal custodians (PLC) have the resources needed to effectively support children and youth in their care
Supporting At-Risk Young People to Prevent System Involvement
Supporting young people to achieve stability and independence through robust Independent Living (IL) supports
Launching new Reconnect and Rise program to connect youth with role models, paid training and employment opportunities
Facing Rising Costs and Reductions to Safety Net Programs
Recruiting and retaining a high-quality agency and provider workforce in the face of inflation and labor market shifts
Ensuring families have access to all benefits they qualify for and are able to meet their basic needs
Supporting Youth with Complex Needs
Engaging in cross-agency service coordination to address the specific needs of each youth through the Systems Alignment Process
Expanding safe and high-quality placements with supportive services, including additional shelter and intensive residential programs
Supporting placement providers to enhance staffing and supervision levels to meet the requirements of new state licensing standards
Public Hearing and Public Comments
The public comment period will be open until August 15, 2026.
In 2026, the 2027-28 Needs-Based Plan and Budget Public Hearing will be held as part of the upcoming State of Human Services session on child and family well-being. DHS Interim Alex Jutca and Dr. Cheryl Hall-Russell will discuss the current state of child welfare and family strengthening supports in Allegheny County.
Please submit questions, feedback, comments, or concerns to the Department of Human Services related to the proposed 2027-2028 Needs-Based Plan and Budget. Public comment will be available until August 15, 2026.
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Page last updated: 15 Aug 2026, 12:00 PM
A public hearing for this proposal will be included as part of the upcoming State of Human Services session, which focuses on child and family well-being.
