Foster Care Payments in Pennsylvania: What Providers Earn

Foster parents in Pennsylvania receive per diem payments and reimbursements designed to cover the basic needs and ongoing care of children placed in their homes. The exact amounts vary by the child’s age, any special needs, and the type of fostering arrangement. This article explains how PA determines foster care payments, what is included in the per diem, how payments are issued, and common questions families have when considering becoming foster caregivers.

What Are Foster Care Payments In Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, foster care payments come as per diem rates and routine reimbursements. The per diem typically covers basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and routine household expenses. In addition, counties may provide reimbursements for approved programs or services the child requires, such as transportation, tutoring, or medical costs not fully covered by insurance. The exact per diem depends on factors like the child’s age and any special medical, developmental, or behavioral needs. These funds are intended to support foster families in providing a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

How Rates Are Determined

Per diem rates are established through a combination of state guidelines and county-level administration, guided by federal requirements for Title IV-E eligible placements. Factors influencing the rate include:

• Age of the child
• Educational or behavioral needs
• Medical or physical care requirements
• Cost-of-living considerations in the specific county
• Whether the placement is standard foster care, specialized care, or a kinship arrangement

Because Pennsylvania distributes funding through county child welfare agencies, placements in different counties may have slightly different per diem structures. Prospective foster parents should contact their county agency for the most current rates and any upcoming changes. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) often publishes guidance and rate tables, but counties implement the day-to-day payments.

What Is Covered By The Per Diem

The foster care per diem is not a one-size-fits-all stipend. It is intended to cover the child’s daily needs while in a foster home. Typical coverage includes:

• Food and groceries
• Clothing and personal care items
• Safe housing and utilities
• School supplies and transportation related to education
• Medical and dental care not fully covered by insurance
• Extracurricular activities and necessary recreational expenses

Some costs may be reimbursed separately after approval by the county agency, especially for services such as therapy, counseling, or specialized treatments. It is common for counties to reimburse certain expenses incurred in meeting the child’s needs, provided there is prior approval and proper documentation.

Other Financial Supports For Foster Families

Beyond the daily per diem, Pennsylvania offers additional financial supports that can help foster families manage caregiving responsibilities. These can include:

• Specialized care payments for youth with significant behavioral or medical needs
• Transportation reimbursements for court appearances, medical appointments, or school events
• Grant funds or stipends for respite care, training, or emergency placements
• Kinship care considerations, which may have different rate structures or supports

Foster parents should inquire about any available supplemental programs during the licensing process or through ongoing caseworker contacts. It is important to document all expenses and obtain written approval when seeking reimbursements or additional funds.

How To Apply And Get Paid

To begin receiving payments, prospective foster parents must go through the Pennsylvania DHS and their local county child welfare agency. The process generally includes:

• Completing a foster care license or approving an existing kinship arrangement
• Completing required training and home inspections
• Submitting documentation for the child’s placement, including age and any special needs
• Working with a caseworker to determine the appropriate per diem level for each placement
• Setting up direct deposit or an approved payment method with the county

Payments are typically issued on a regular schedule (e.g., biweekly or monthly) after the placement is officially in place. Foster parents should maintain careful records of expenses, receipts, and any correspondence with the county agency to ensure accurate reimbursements and to address any discrepancies quickly.

Common Questions About Foster Care Payments In PA

Here are some frequently asked questions that help clarify how the system works in Pennsylvania. While exact numbers vary by county and year, the principles remain consistent.

• Are per diems taxable? Foster care payments are generally considered reimbursements or subsidies rather than wages. They are not treated as earned income for tax purposes in the same way as wages, but families should consult a tax professional regarding any portion that may be taxable.
• Do foster parents get paid to adopt or foster long-term? Payments cover ongoing caregiving needs; adoption subsidies may come into play if a child is adopted from foster care and qualifies for post-adoption supports. This varies by case and requires eligibility review.
• What happens if a child moves to another placement? Per diem rates are reassessed for the new placement based on the child’s age and needs. The paying agency coordinates changes to avoid gaps in support.
• Can foster parents negotiate higher rates? Rates are set by the state and counties and are not typically negotiable on an individual basis, though requests for additional supports or services can be made through the caseworker with justification.
• What if expenses exceed the per diem? Prior approval and documentation are essential. Counties may authorize retroactive reimbursements for approved, out-of-pocket costs tied to the child’s needs.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact the local county child welfare agency or the Pennsylvania DHS. They can provide current per diem tables, eligible expenses, and step-by-step guidance tailored to the family’s situation.