Budget cuts end therapy for children in E. Idaho

 

IDAHO FALLS -- Children's Supportive Services says it is no longer providing treatment to about 100 children with severe emotional disturbances in eastern Idaho due to state budget cuts.

Agency officials say they have stopped offering group therapy sessions in Idaho Falls, Blackfoot and Chubbuck due to cuts by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

The most recent cut came at the beginning of this month when the agency saw an 8 percent drop in the reimbursement rate the state pays providers.

Administrator Kelly Keele tells the Post Register that Children's Supportive Services couldn't reduce staff or expenses 8 percent and still provide a quality program.