What Benefits Do Foster Parents Receive in Georgia?

Caring for a foster child is rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges.

If you are thinking about fostering, you might wonder, “What benefits do foster parents receive in Georgia?”

Georgia provides many benefits to foster parents, including healthcare coverage, training, and financial reimbursements.

One major benefit is healthcare coverage for foster children.

This coverage ensures that foster children have access to medical and mental health services.

It includes regular doctor visits, emergency care, dental and vision checkups, vaccinations, mental health services, and specialized care if needed.

Foster parents also receive training to understand and manage the health needs of foster children.

This training covers how trauma affects children’s health, navigating healthcare systems, and advocating for their care.

What Services and Support Do Foster Parents and Foster Children Receive?

Georgia provides a variety of services and support to foster families.

This includes healthcare for foster children, which ensures access to providers experienced in treating children with complex needs.

This helps foster children, many of whom have faced tough situations, get the care they need.

Foster parents can work with local DFCS offices or private child-placing agencies (CPAs).

These agencies offer contracts that provide extra resources and support to foster families.

Foster parents who care for three or more siblings in DFCS custody can receive a sibling supplement, adding financial support for each child.

Georgia’s Comprehensive Child and Family Assessment (CCFA) program evaluates each foster child’s needs.

Based on these evaluations, foster children get the healthcare and support they require.

Additionally, foster parents may access specialized training through DFCS or partnering agencies to build their parenting skills.

These sessions often focus on trauma-informed care, behavior management, and cultural competency.

For foster children, support can extend to education.

Georgia offers programs to ensure foster children succeed academically, such as access to tutors and resources for applying to higher education.

Foster parents may also receive guidance on securing grants or scholarships specifically for foster children pursuing college.

This coverage stays in place even if a foster child moves to another home within the state.

For many foster parents, financial support is an important consideration.

Foster parents in Georgia receive a monthly payment called a “per diem.”

The payment follows the “Head in the Bed” rule, meaning you are paid for every night the child spends in your home.

Payments are made through direct deposit on the 15th of each month.

Foster parents caring for children from low-income families might also qualify for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

TANF provides a monthly payment and Medicaid coverage for the child.

Additionally, all foster children are covered by Georgia’s Medicaid program.

This includes behavioral and mental health services that the child may need.

Georgia offers many benefits to foster parents, including financial payments, healthcare coverage, and training support.

These benefits ensure foster children receive the care they need while helping foster parents succeed in this meaningful role.

Foster parents also receive guidance and resources to navigate challenges, ensuring a supportive environment for every child in their care.

This partnership fosters stability and growth, creating a positive impact on families and communities.