Provide More Ways for Foster Parents to Earn Money

On this page

About this recommendation

Additional financial opportunities, even if modest, can help foster parents feel appreciated and recognize their time and effort fairly.

How to do this

  • Hire current foster parents as co-trainers at foster parent trainings and orientation.
  • Compensate foster parents for attending required training sessions.
  • Provide foster parents with an up-to-date list of local stores and restaurants that provide foster parent discounts.
  • Prioritize foster parents when hiring for ad hoc, part-time, and full-time roles at your agency.

Anticipated costs and benefits

Costs

Benefits

  • Varies
  • Foster parents experience greater levels of appreciation
  • Foster parents earn more money

Who's doing this

4 of 54 states and territories have implemented this recommendation.

  • Frederick County, MD pays foster parents to attend trainings ($25-50ish per class).
  • Frederick County, MD pays foster parents $20 per session to co-lead foster parent trainings.
  • Washington, DC hires foster parents as trainers.
  • Colorado has a mobile app (The Foster Family Business App) that provides foster parents with discounts at a variety of local stores.
  • Fairfax County, VA pays foster parents for co-leading foster parent trainings and being on panels.