Reimbursement Rates

Foster Parents in Utah who take kids from DCFS are reimbursed (not 'paid') by DCFS each month. The amount varies from $14 a day on up to about $24 a day, and it all depends on the age of the child and their behaviors.

DCFS uses a 3 page form called the Level of Care form to determine the behaviors of the child. The behaviors to be reviewed are from the previous 6 months. This form should be reviewed about every six months to determine how the child is progressing in the foster home. The levels are titled "Basic" "Specialized" and "Structured". ..the age breakdown in each level is 0-11, 12-15 and 16+...so there are three levels and three age categories in each level.

There is also something called "Medically Fragile", which is for kids with serious medical needs(or therapeutic issues in some cases). Examples of medical needs might be a child who is a burn victim and needs regular trips to the UofU burn unit to care for the wounds, or a child who has spina bifida, heart monitors or oxygen for babies born addicted to drugs...these things most likely will qualify a child for the 'medically fragile' code which means $10 a day more than whatever reimbursemet rate they initially qualify for. IE: If you get a baby who was born addicted to drugs, they fall within Level 1 = Basic = $14 a day, plus medically fragile = $10 a day for a total of $24 a day for the care of this child.

There is special training by the nurse/hospital caring for this child which the foster parents will be expected and encouraged to learn before they are released from the hospital. Afterall, knowing how to run a feeding tube, or heart monitor is not something you learn as you go along!

Since these reimbursements are not 'payments', they are not taxed. So if you have a Basic Level child at $14 a day, for 30 days you'll get a check for $420 a month, no taxes deducted. That covers their room, board, allowance if you offer it, hair cuts, other ammenities (basic hygiene things). Now, the one thing that MUST BE DEDUCTED FROM THAT $420 is $41 for new clothing every month. Please talk to your tax preparer for your year end tax questions.

If you have further questions about this short discussion, ask me in 'comments' and I'll get back with you on the details as soon as possible.