Funding for children needing intensive residential treatment is insufficient.

State-wide funding gap

State funding for residential is 33% behind cost of living. Current rates for residential treatment wages is $7.83/hour (far below minimum wage). This is the core of the funding gap. These children deserve qualified and adequately compensated staff.

All San Francisco psychiatric and skilled nursing facilities receive general fund contributions to augment the state rate.

Other Counties are stepping up

Counties accross California have stepped up to fill this gap for local children. All other referring agencies from other counties who place children at Edgewood now pay the required amount to cover costs. 

$500 vs. $1,300

The cost of treatment at Edgewood ($500/day) is less than half that of a psychiatric hospital ($1,300/day)

The Gap

• The cost per day for residential treatment at Edgewood: $500
• The State's contribution per day: $407
• The funding gap per day, per child: $93

An Unsustainable Deficit

Despite the funding gap, Edgewood has been steadfast in its commitment to making sure these children don't fall through the cracks. Last year, Edgewood sustained a $2.5 million deficit attributable to its entire residential treatment program.  Without sustainable funding from the County of San Francisco, Edgewood’s Board has made the difficult decision to close its residential program to San Francisco children on July 1, 2008 to protect the agency's other programs.