Utah continues to chip away at the slow-moving list, which has left some families waiting as long as a decade for help.

A related pilot program connecting disabled residents with jobs won permanent funding.

A family-preservation program also will be funded for $150,000 for a second year, offering parents workshops to help with behavior of disabled children, sibling dynamics and other issues.

"We're pleased even with shorter revenue projections the Legislature is addressing the waiting list," said George Kelner, director of the Division of Services for People with Disabilities.

Many advocates praised passage of a bill that would allow relatives to take in children in a crisis before full background checks are complete, preventing youngsters from being placed in shelters.

An effort to secure $500,000 to maintain child-care subsidies for low-income parents with rising wages wound up with a $100,000 appropriation.

The current system yanks all support after a parent's income reaches a threshold level. Even partial funding makes a difference, said Lynette Rasmussen, director of the office of work and family life.

A request for $700,000 to fund an expansion of treatment programs for youths abusing drugs and alcohol fizzled - despite what officials say is a growing need.

- Julia Lyon