Do Foster Parents Get Paid in Georgia?

If you’re considering becoming a foster parent in Georgia, you may be wondering: “Do foster parents get paid in Georgia?”

The good news is yes, foster parents in Georgia do receive financial compensation for their important role. However, this is not meant to be a profit to the foster parent, but to assist them in caring for the child they are opening their house up to provide a home to.

This blog post will explain how foster parents are compensated in Georgia and provide an overview of the reimbursement system.

Do you get paid to foster kids in Georgia?

Yes, foster parents in Georgia receive compensation for providing care to foster children. The state recognizes the valuable contribution foster parents make in nurturing and supporting children who are temporarily unable to live with their biological families.

In addition to emotional and social support, foster parents also receive financial reimbursement to help cover the costs associated with caring for a child.

Per Diem Reimbursement

In Georgia, foster parents are reimbursed through a per diem system.

The amount of reimbursement is based on the “Head in the Bed” rule.

This means that if a foster child spends the night in your home, you will receive per diem compensation for that day.

The exact amount of per diem payment can vary depending on various factors, including the age and needs of the child.

Reimbursement Process

The reimbursement process for foster parents in Georgia involves submitting invoices for the expenses incurred while caring for a foster child.

These expenses can include food, clothing, school supplies, transportation, and other essential needs of the child.

Foster parents are encouraged to keep detailed records of these expenses to ensure accurate reimbursement.

It’s important to note that the reimbursement process operates on a 30-day cycle.

For example, invoices submitted in January will typically be paid in February.

Efforts are made to facilitate direct deposit reimbursements for foster parents, ensuring timely and convenient payments.

Health Insurance Coverage

In addition to the per diem reimbursement, foster children placed in your care will be covered under the state’s health insurance program.

This coverage typically includes medical, dental, and mental health services for the child. It ensures that foster parents do not bear the full financial burden of healthcare expenses for the child.

Recent Changes and Increase in Per Diem

It’s worth mentioning that Georgia has recently made changes to its foster care system to better support foster parents.

The state has increased the per diem allowances, which are used to cover the basic needs of foster children.

These daily allowances have been raised by as much as $10 per day, providing additional financial support to foster parents.

Furthermore, the state budget has allocated funds to hire more caseworkers, aiming to improve the overall support system for foster parents and children.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen, foster parents in Georgia do receive payment for providing care to foster children. The per diem reimbursement system ensures that foster parents are compensated for the expenses associated with meeting the needs of the child placed in their care.

Additionally, foster parents benefit from the state’s health insurance coverage for foster children.

These financial and support systems aim to recognize and appreciate the vital role played by foster parents in Georgia’s child welfare system.