As a foster parent of the child, you will receive a designated per diem to assist in supporting the youth in your home. The financial compensation that you receive each month is reimbursement for supporting the child (not a replacement of salary/income).  Examples of support include, but are not limited to: school fees/books, lunch (free), some financial assistance with birthdays and Christmas, all required medical is paid by State insurance.  Also, part of the per diem is for the child’s clothing and incidentals (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)

The amount of reimbursement (per diem) you receive is based upon the age of the child and the “Level of Care” that has been assigned to the youth from the state. Level of Care [LOC] is the amount of supervision and care required to appropriately care for the youth.  This determination is largely based on behavior patterns and medical needs.