At the moment, there are over 11,000 children in care throughout the state of Georgia. That’s thousands of children who urgently need a place to call home — and the foster parents who make that happen.
Stepping into the role of a foster parent offers a unique opportunity to make a profound difference in a child's life by providing them with the stability, affection, and nurturing environment they need to thrive.
Although becoming a foster parent is rewarding, it comes with its set of financial considerations. The costs associated with raising a child — covering necessities like food, clothing, educational materials, and activities — can add up quickly.
Let’s dive into Georgia’s monthly stipend and what you need to know.
The foster care stipend in Georgia is influenced by two main factors:
In Georgia, the stipend rates are paid on a per diem basis — however, the exact amount will depend on the organization you partner with and the factors discussed in the section above.
For foster parents in Georgia, there are additional financial support options outside of the per diem.
The best example of this is the Georgia Families 360 program — this program provides better access to healthcare services for children in care of all ages.
Georgia also offers a clothing allowance, which is important — clothing costs can add up quickly, especially for growing toddlers and teens. It costs anywhere from $800 to $1,200 a year to clothe a teen with thoughtful budgeting, so every little bit helps.
For other financial support information, don’t be afraid to ask your organization or case worker. For example, Mentor Foster Care, a part of Sevita’s companies, offers foster parents many different supports, including:
All as part of helping prepare foster parents for their home inspections and to help meet the guidelines set by the state.
Ready to become a foster parent? Maybe you’re curious and just want to learn a little more about the process. Wherever you are in your journey, our upcoming webinar can help point you in the right direction.
By attending a Foster Parent Information Session Webinar and learning more about the fostering process, you can take the first step toward becoming a foster parent and providing a safe, loving, and supportive home for a child in need.
Mentor Foster Care also operates in many locations throughout the state, including:
Sign up for the webinar and learn more today!