How Much Does it Cost to Foster a Child?

Becoming a foster parent is a deeply rewarding experience that can transform your child's and your own life. With around 370,000 children in care and a growing need for caring foster parents,  you can make a difference. 

Opening your heart and home to a child in need is an incredible act of kindness and generosity. After all, you’re providing a safe space for a child in need!

Just ask Elizabeth Murrell, a Maryland foster parent: 

"We want you to feel safe and loved in our home. We understand that this may be a new and unfamiliar environment for you, but please know that we are here to support you every step of the way."

However, you might be wondering about the costs involved and if it’s something you can fit into your finances.

As potential foster parents, knowing the costs involved can help you prepare better and ensure you have everything you need to make the decision to foster!

While fostering does involve a financial commitment, you’ll be making an incredible difference in the life of a child in care. 

What are the Initial Costs of Fostering a Child? 

When you decide to foster a child, you might face several initial expenses as you prepare to welcome them into your home. 

These costs are crucial to ensure the child's safety, comfort, and well-being for their arrival. Many children in care come from difficult situations, leaving their homes and everything they know behind. 

Meeting the basic requirements is important, but ensuring that they feel comfortable in their space helps them thrive! 

Home Safety Modifications

One of the first steps is making your home safe for a child in care. 

This might involve installing safety gates, securing furniture to prevent tipping, and childproofing various areas. These modifications are essential to create a secure environment where the child can thrive without unnecessary risks.

Depending on the organization you partner with, some of these expenses may be covered. For example, Mentor Foster Care provides our foster parents with items such as a lockbox for dangerous materials and a fire extinguisher. 

Clothing and Personal Items

Children in care often arrive with very few belongings. 

You’ll need to purchase clothing, shoes, and personal items like toiletries and school supplies. Providing these essentials meets their immediate needs and helps them feel welcome and cared for in their new home.

Legal and Administrative Fees

Various legal and administrative fees are also associated with becoming a foster parent. 

These can include costs for background checks, home inspections, and the foster care licensing process. While some organizations may cover these fees, it’s good to be prepared for any out-of-pocket expenses.

Basic Costs of Fostering a Child

As a foster parent, you must budget for several ongoing costs to ensure your child's well-being and care. 

These expenses cover the daily needs and activities that help children in care live a normal, healthy life.

Food

Providing nutritious meals is a fundamental part of caring for a child. When you add another person to your household, monthly grocery expenses will increase! 

Some children may also have specific dietary needs that affect your grocery budget. Eating out or buying school lunches now and then can add to your monthly food costs.

Healthcare and Medical Expenses

Healthcare is another important area where costs can add up. 

Regular check-ups and medical appointments are necessary to keep track of your child’s health, such as prescription medications or over-the-counter treatments they might need. 

Remember dental and vision care, as regular visits to the dentist and eye doctor are also important.

In many states, children in care are covered under the Medicaid program. However, it's best to consult the foster care organization you're working with for the details!  

Clothing

Clothes are an ongoing expense — after all, children grow quickly!

You’ll need to buy new clothes and shoes as the seasons change. If the child needs school uniforms or sports attire, that’s an extra cost. Plus, you’ll regularly update their wardrobe as they outgrow or wear out items.

Many states offer a clothing allowance separate from the monthly stipend. For example, Indiana offers a flat $200 payment to help with clothes when you become a foster parent. 

On the other hand, Massachusetts offers a monthly allowance for clothing ranging from $330 to $410, depending on the child's age. 

Childcare and Babysitting

Ensuring your child is safe and cared for when you're unavailable is necessary for fostering. 

This might mean paying for daycare or after-school programs, which can add up over time. You might also need to hire a babysitter for evenings and weekends when you need to be away from home. 

A reliable backup plan for unexpected situations is crucial and may incur additional costs. Luckily, many states offer a childcare allowance to help foster parents cover these expenses.

Additional Costs of Fostering a Child

Beyond the basic expenses, there are additional costs associated with fostering a child that you need to consider. 

These expenses can vary but are just as important to ensure a well-rounded and supportive environment for a child in care. There might be some here that you wouldn’t think of!

Household Supplies

Having an extra person in the home naturally increases the use of household items like toiletries and cleaning supplies. This is one thing that might not immediately come to mind when you begin to foster.

You might also need to purchase additional furniture or bedding to accommodate a child in care. After all, every child needs a comfy bed with appropriate bedding!

Education and School-Related Expenses

Education is a significant part of a child’s life, and several costs are associated with it. 

School supplies and textbooks are necessary for their academic success. Meanwhile, extracurricular activities and sports fees can add up but are important for their social development. Also, if your child needs extra help with their studies, you must provide tutoring or additional educational support. 

Transportation

Transportation costs will likely increase when fostering a child, including higher fuel costs and vehicle maintenance due to more frequent trips.

If you rely on public transportation, fares can add up quickly. Additionally, travel for visitations or medical appointments can be a regular part of fostering, adding to your transportation expenses.

Recreation and Leisure Activities

Engaging in hobbies and extracurricular activities is important for any child’s development! 

Whether it's sports, music, arts, or any other activity, these costs, along with family outings and entertainment, can add up. Summer camps and vacation expenses are other considerations contributing to the overall cost of fostering!

Psychological and Counseling Services

Caring for a child’s emotional and mental health is crucial — particularly for those in therapeutic foster care. 

Therapy sessions for the child might be necessary to help them process their experiences and adjust to their new environment. Family counseling can also support the transition and strengthen the bond between you and the child. 

Sometimes, specialized behavioral health services are needed, which can add to your expenses.

Financial Assistance and Support for Foster Parents

Fostering a child comes with various expenses, but there are types of financial support and assistance available to help offset these costs. Understanding these resources can make a significant difference in managing the financial aspects of fostering.

Foster Care Stipends

One of the primary forms of financial assistance for foster parents is the monthly stipend. 

These stipends vary by state and help cover the costs of raising a child in care. 

They are not a source of income or an incentive to foster! 

The amount you receive depends on several factors, including the child's age, needs, and the level of care required.

The stipend covers everyday expenses such as food, clothing, and transportation. It's a crucial resource that helps foster parents provide for their child's basic needs without financial strain.

In some cases, additional stipends are available for children with special needs or those requiring therapeutic care. These extra funds cover the higher costs associated with specialized services and support, ensuring that foster parents can meet these children's unique needs.

You can read more about the stipends in states that Mentor Foster Care operates in: 

• Maryland Stipends
• Georgia Stipends
• Alabama Stipends
• Ohio Stipends
• Massachusetts Stipends
• Indiana Stipends
• South Carolina Stipends

Want to Change a Child's Life but Not Sure Where to Start?

There’s more to fostering than just the costs!

It may seem overwhelming initially, but you don't have to do it alone.

Get the support you need every step of the way with The Beginners Guide to Foster Care. Inside, you’ll learn more about foster care basics, such as the costs, what it takes to foster, the support you’ll receive, and much more.