Economics Of Foster Care

Posted on May 6, 2008
Filed Under Foster Care |

This is a continuing series on Foster Care as I complete my training to become a certified therapeutic foster parent. For more information on foster care or to read more about my journey, please stop by my blog on foster care and parenting My Chosen Children.

One of the considerations in deciding to do foster care is economic, just as it should be when considering whether or not to have your own children. The economics of foster care can be drastically different than raising your own children though. There are many different things to take under consideration.

Unfortunately, even though there is a stipend paid for taking in foster children, it is not enough to make traditional foster care in most states a career or even a good part time income. According to CASA, the National average foster care stipend is $329 and the average family spends $574 per month to maintain a 2 yr old child. Stipends vary by states from $161 to $588 with the difference being made up by the foster family. Therapeutic Foster Care stipends are usually higher to cover the additional time and expense involved with caring for these children.

I found it interesting that most foster homes fall into the low and low middle income levels. I have read the statistic in a number of places but no one really explains why it is that people in those income brackets are more willing to take on the financial responsibility of a foster child.

I personally believe that it is a combination of things. People in those income brackets are used to raising children on a budget. They have found that the emotional benefits of being in a family environment do not depend on having the latest fashion or fad toy. They have learned to live within a budget that is often smaller than the national average.

Frankly, I am torn between thinking that foster parents should be compensated for the time and expense of caring for a child and not wanting to see people drawn into it solely for the financial benefit. Thankfully, there are laws in place now that make the old image of people taking on countless foster children with little care given to them obsolete. There are limits on the number of foster children a family can take and there is ongoing training involved in most states. There are also ongoing inspections from DSS as well as homestudies to make sure that the environment is a safe and loving one.

I think there is a delicate balance between being adequate compensation and being a financial windfall. People who are committed to caring for a foster child should not be forced to stop because of the cost involved. When a child arrives with only the clothes on their backs and health issues from neglect or abuse, the decision to take that child in should not depend on whether the foster family can afford to make up the difference.

There are several ways that you can help. You can become informed about current legislation and lend support by writing letters to legislators. Most states have a state foster care association which will provide both the information and sample letters.

You can donate to those same associations which usually also provide support to foster children and families. You can donate to the National Foster Parent Association which supports foster families and also lobbies for foster care improvements on both a national and state level.

You can call your local Department of Social Services and donate goods to foster children and their families especially during the holidays when foster families are faced with providing not only day to day living expenses but also gifts.

Help keep me awake to write by buying me a cup of coffee! .