St. Lawrence County Child Care assistance Facing Cuts Due to Funding Shortfall
CANTON, New York (WWNY) – Families in St. Lawrence County relying on the Child Care assistance Program (CCAP) may soon see their benefits impacted as the county Department of Social Services (DSS) anticipates running out of state funding.
Starting December 1st, DSS will limit approvals to only cases meeting state-mandated criteria, specifically those facing dire circumstances like homelessness. All other CCAP applications will be denied due to insufficient funds.
DSS Commissioner Joseph Seeber explained that while the state has broadened eligibility for the program in recent years – now including families of four earning around $110,000 – funding has not kept pace with the increased demand. He stated the program is currently projected to be $900,000 over budget by the end of November.
This year, DSS received $3.4 million in state funding for CCAP, which Seeber noted is the earliest the funding has been depleted.
“The situation will not only hurt families, but also child care providers,” Seeber said.
While the exact number of families utilizing the program is unknown,Seeber confirmed that 137 child care providers benefited from the program in September.
DSS will continue to accept and review CCAP applications, and the county promises to provide updates if additional funding becomes available. Residents with questions regarding their case or eligibility are encouraged to contact DSS at 315-379-2111 or visit www.stlawco.gov.
