A waiting list will be imposed soon for a state program that provides day care for children in low-income families.
As of Feb. 1, the Eligible Child Care Program will have a waiting list, said Terry Twitchell of the Utah Department of Human Services. Of parents using the program, about 88 percent are single mothers.The wait is needed even though Gov. Mike Leavitt is recommending the Legislature appropriate an additional $1 million for child care.
"The number of mothers and children needing help is increasing each month," said Jan Hansen, director of the Utah Office of Family Support. "We simply do not have enough money to keep up with the demand."
Only a few states have been able to avoid waiting lists, she said. According to Hansen, current cases won't be affected and children with special needs will be given priority on the waiting list.