What Is the Average Amount a Foster Parent Gets?

Foster parents provide support for over 450,000 U.S. children each year.

Many foster parents are attracted to the role by the financial compensation, according to the Child Welfare League of America. However, financial compensation varies between states and many potential foster parents do not know what to expect.

State Standards

Each state sets its own compensation rates for foster parents with wide variations. In 2004, for example, foster parents in Alaska received a monthly stipend of $588 for caring for a 2-year-old child, while West Virginia foster parents only received $161.

Cost Discrepancy

Most foster parents do not receive compensation to match the expenses to maintain all state requirements for the child in foster care. Foster parents in California sued the state in 2010 for more compensation. California foster parents claim that the mandated care takes an estimated $900 per month, while the state only pays $520, according to lawyer Marc Peters.

Federal Requirements

The federal Child Welfare Act outlines the compensation given to foster parents nationwide. According to this law, states much provide a monthly stipend for groceries, housing, school expenses, transportation and clothing. However, no exact amount is specified.

References

• Court Appointed Special Advocates: The Impact of Financial Compensation, Benefits and Supports on Foster Parent Retention and Recruitment
• Los Angeles Times; "Appeals Court Faults California for Inadequately Compensating Foster Parents"; Carol J. Williams; Aug. 2010
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Foster Care Statistics