Do Foster Parents Get Paid in Georgia?

Are you thinking about becoming a foster parent?

If so, you might wonder, “Do foster parents get paid in Georgia?”

The good news is yes, foster parents in Georgia do get paid. But this money isn’t meant to make a profit.

It’s to help foster parents cover the costs of giving a child a safe and loving home.

In this post, we’ll explain how foster parents are paid and how the reimbursement system works.

Do You Get Paid to Foster Kids in Georgia?

Yes, foster parents in Georgia are paid for caring for foster children.

The state values the work foster parents do to provide love and support to kids who can’t stay with their biological families.

Foster parents offer emotional care, and they also receive money to help with the costs of raising these children.

Per Diem Reimbursement

Foster parents in Georgia are paid daily through something called a “per diem” system.

This payment follows the “Head in the Bed” rule.

If a foster child stays overnight in your home, you get paid for that day.

The exact daily payment depends on the child’s age and needs.

Reimbursement Process

To get reimbursed, foster parents must submit invoices for the costs of caring for the child.

These costs include things like food, clothes, school supplies, transportation, and other basic needs.

It’s important to keep good records of these expenses to ensure accurate payments.

The reimbursement system works on a 30-day schedule.

For example, if you send invoices in January, you’ll likely get paid in February.

The state also tries to make things easier by offering direct deposit for faster and more convenient payments.

Health Insurance Coverage

Foster children in your care are covered under Georgia’s state health insurance program.

This plan covers medical, dental, and mental health care, so foster parents don’t have to pay for healthcare costs on their own.

Recent Changes and Increase in Per Diem

Georgia has made changes to its foster care system to better support foster families.

The state recently raised the daily per diem rate, adding up to $10 more per day to help foster parents with expenses.

This increase recognizes the rising costs associated with child care, such as higher prices for food, clothing, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.

These adjustments aim to ensure that foster families have the financial means to meet the growing demands of raising a child without personal financial strain.

Georgia’s budget also includes funding to hire more caseworkers.

More caseworkers mean better support for foster families.

With additional caseworkers, foster parents can expect quicker responses to questions or concerns, fewer delays in the reimbursement process, and more consistent guidance throughout the foster care journey.

This change also improves the overall experience for foster children, as caseworkers can spend more time addressing their individual needs and ensuring their placements are stable and successful.

The state has also introduced new training programs for foster parents.

These programs focus on equipping parents with tools to manage trauma-related behaviors, navigate complex family dynamics, and handle legal responsibilities.

By investing in training, Georgia aims to provide foster parents with confidence and resources to thrive in their roles.

This aims to make the support system better for both foster parents and children.

Final Thoughts

In summary, foster parents in Georgia do get paid for the care they provide to foster children.

The per diem system ensures they’re reimbursed for the child’s needs.

Foster parents also benefit from the state’s health insurance plan, which covers foster children’s medical expenses.

These systems are designed to support and appreciate the essential role foster parents play in helping children in Georgia.