Pay to Keep Homes Open

About this recommendation

When children experience a disruption, such as running away or requiring an inpatient treatment, their foster home bed is generally "closed." Paying the home to not only keep their bed open, but remain involved (e.g., visiting the hospital daily) can reduce placement disruption.

How to do this

• Don't close a bed when a child runs away or is hospitalized.
• Review contracts with private agencies for criteria for closing out a bed.

Anticipated costs and benefits

Who's doing this

1 of 54 states and territories have implemented this recommendation.

• Maryland can pay to keep some homes open through its Center for Excellence grant.