Topeka ? The state’s top social services official has outlined $44 million in budget reductions and says he expects the cuts to get deeper.

Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Don Jordan discussed the steps his agency plans to take with dozens of advocates for the needy during a Friday meeting.

Those steps are a response to legislative action on the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

They include eliminating some state aid to groups providing services to the developmentally disabled and reducing grants to community mental health centers. Foster care services and cash assistance for the disabled would be reduced.

But Jordan noted that state revenues fell short of expectations in May and said Social and Rehabilitation Services expects to be forced into additional cuts.