The Department of Human Services 12 day furlough plan won’t affect critical services, says the head of the agency.

On the days workers don’t report in the coming months, child welfare and adult protective services will still be available on line. DHS officials say the plan avoids laying off about 500 staffers, and workers will still be on-call for emergencies during the furlough days. The first one is scheduled for September 4.

Critics say the furloughs would leave children and needy families at risk.

Tags: furlough, budget cuts, Department of Human Services, child welfare