Foster Parenting?

Question

We are considering becoming foster parents. We are not rich so that is why I am asking this question- not because we would be doing it because of money- how much would they pay us. would they pay for daycare and schoolbooks? What is the average amount of money that foster parents get per a child? Again, I am asking this because I want to know if we would be able to afford daycare, food, clothes, books, toys,etc.
Thank you!

Answer 1

My husband and I were foster parents for 15 years, and we averaged a child per year.
Most Social Service agencies do pay you, ours in Colorado was about $500 per month, and they also took care of daycare as I am a middle school librarian. But that's not always the case.
In our experience foster children usually arrive with less than perfect clothing for school or dental care or toys. Yes we spent the monthly allowance on them and then some. But just like with your own children, you live on a budget and do the best you can.
My advice would be to begin with younger children, from age 5-10, as they usually have less family issues to deal with than adolescents. However, it is so traumatic in the beginning, as there is a lot of fear and separation issues, lots of crying and hard bedtimes. I would not ask you to deal with sexually abused children as they have some severe behavior issues, and a new foster parent would be extemely challenged to deal with it.
One of the best things I did was every night at bedtime, after we read a book, I would tell the child what was going to happen tomorrow and how much they are loved. Children need to know both of those things, and I'd try to make it as upbeat as possible...we will bake cookies, we will work on homework together..you will see your Mom over the weekend..etc
Finally, remember you are NOT Mom and Dad, and the best possible outcome is for them to go home unscarred to their family. 14 out of 15 of ours were that lucky.

Answer 2

Money is the least of your worries. These kids all have issues and generally a lot of them for which the foster parents are rarely appropriately trained to handle. I have worked in social services and would never advise anyone to do this - especially if you have on or plan on having your own children. These children often want to go home, no matter how bad it was and they will make up allegations against you to accomplish this. Babies are less of a risk but you still have to deal w the parents and they will try to make your life hell
Think long & hard before you do this and you wont get anything for books. You might get some clothing money and they will sign the kids up for food stamps, medcaid etc

Answer 3

This varies by location, age of the child and level of care that they require. The more intensive help the child needs from you, the more you would receive. Where I live, most foster parents are paid a stipend of between $300 and $600 month. $300 is a lot more common than $600. I have heard of foster parents being paid a lot more in other states.

Foster parents qualify for the same daycare assistance here as families who are receiving welfare, but a lot of childcare providers do not accept Title 20, as it is called, so it is difficult for them to use the assistance provided, but not impossible.

I think school fees came out of the monthly stipend my foster parents received unless my social worker was able to find a program to reimburse them. She was good at finding programs like that and that was how we paid for me attending journalism camp, purchasing yearbooks, my class ring and part of my senior pictures, for example.

Answer 4

I know that they do have a set amount they give for clothing. They will also pay for doctors. If you have an infant you can prob. put the child on WIC if they aren't already on that which would provide at least formula. Schoolbooks? I doubt it. It will cost you. You almost have to consider it a ministry to children b/c you love them. Ask friends and you local church for toys, and even good used clothing, bedding, etc. I know that some states even require the child have their own room and I know they must have their own twin bed. Good luck. The world needs more people like you. :)

Answer 5

This varies by state and county. Your best bet would be to call social services and request an information packet-which would contain financial requirements of prospective foster parents. Naturally if you fall within these, then you are within your means to support foster children. Good luck.

Answer 6

You will need to receive training to become a foster parent, and during that training they will advise you of the types of costs you will be reimbursed for. It will vary from location to location, and depending on the specific needs of the child, but you shouldn't worry about expenses.

Answer 7

not much