Duties and Responsibilities of a Foster Parent: Pay

Foster parents are expected to take care of the children in their care just like their own children.

Families that take in foster children receive a monthly stipend for the children in their care. The money is intended to pay for the child's room and board. The foster parents have duties and responsibilities that come with taking care of these children. They are expected to take care of these children just as their own. This includes family activities, meals and allowances. The foster parents are not paid a salary but reimbursed for money that is spent on the child in their care.

Expenses for Room and Board

A portion of the reimbursement is to be used for the child's room and board or his living expenses. This includes a small portion for rent or mortgage, utilities, water, telephone, taxes and insurance.

Transportation

Travel reimbursement is calculated in miles, which includes taking the child to school, after-school activities, doctor's appointments and sporting events. Each state has set rates for reimbursement costs. Check with your state for actual figures.

Clothing

Allowances for clothing include the cost of diapers, pull ups, underwear, shirts and pants. This also covers clothing alterations and repairs. The foster parent is required to keep a record of clothing expenses for the social worker to approve.

Allowance

Foster children are expected to be treated the same as the foster parent's own child. An allowance is given for chores the child does for the family.

Personal Necessities

Supplies for the child such as shampoo, soap, combs, hairbrushes, deodorant and other necessary items for the child are covered under personal expenses.

School Supplies and Recreational activities

This refers to any school supplies purchased for the child such as paper, pencils, binder and notebooks. Recreational activities are family outings such as baseball games, school sporting events, gymnastics and dance lessons.

Food

The food allowance covers restaurant meals, school lunches, convenience items and food purchased at sporting events.

References

• Foster Care Per Diem
• Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Rates of Payment
• Foster Parenting.com: Money Considerations
• Foster Parenting.com: Foster Care Rates
• Foster Parenting.com: Financial Reimbursement