In Depth: Economy strains foster care system

In Depth: Economy strains foster care system

Utah, like many states, is having a tough time recruiting foster care families, and rough economic times could strain the foster care system even more.

The number of foster parents has stayed steady in Utah over the last five years. State officials say that's a problem, because there's a dramatic rise in the number of foster children.

Child and Family Services Director Duane Betournay said, "[There are] 200 to 300 more individuals in custody now than there were five years ago, or even four years ago."

Betournay says he expects even more children to enter the foster system because of budget cuts in other programs.