Foster Care & Myths: #3 - Getting Rich!

Over the next several weeks I plan to do a series of articles and videos on the subject of foster care and myths. The series of short articles explore some of the various impressions and perspectives people have about foster care that are not accurate. My hope is to provide better information around the truth surrounding foster care.

I was on the radio with a colleague doing a live interview show when an interesting question was posed by the announcer, "Is it true that foster parents do it because of the free labor they receive and they are motivated by getting rich?" Quickly I turned my colleague, more experienced, for him to field that one.

You can imagine that if it was television our faces would have the look of shock and disbelief. The assumption is that foster parents do foster care so they can get free laborers to clean their house and mow their lawn’s.

Perhaps it’s a by-gone era when farming families put orphaned children to work but, that was 100 years ago! Systems of care have changed since those years. Similarly, it is hard to believe that anyone would believe that foster parents would get rich doing foster care. Yet, this myth seems to surface as a criticism to foster care. Nothing could be farther from the truth and reality. Even if it could happen it would be rare because there are many people in and out of their homes as well as extensive training to say the least.

This one is marked as a myth. Foster parents do not bring children into their homes as free labor nor do they get rich providing care. The daily Per Diem rates in Indiana range from $20 a day through $60 a day which is hardly a "get rich quick" scheme. Even at the highest level of pay these are therapeutic homes which means that the level of need and trauma is substantial and the Foster Parent or Kinship-Care guardian role is too busy caring for the needs of these children that one would suppose that there are easier ways to get rich.

The greatest majority of foster parents get involved because it is a calling and a sacred duty. Most will tell you that they provide foster care because of their love for children and youth in a sincere desire to make a difference.

The reimbursement stipend of the state to a foster parent is not enough to care for every need of a foster child. Most foster homes dip into their personal savings to provide for things that are not reimbursed by the state including Christmas gifts, new clothing, birthday gifts, and membership to family – oriented organizations such as the YMCA or Zoo passes.

This is where the community and others from organizations like the local church or clubs can get involved. Helping bring clothing and Christmas gifts along with zoo passes and tickets to special events make the experience for foster homes as well as foster children unforgettable and positive.
Many are surprised to learn that even in the placement of a child in a foster home the needs are tremendous.

Many children only arrive in a foster home with a plastic bag of their belongings including dirty laundry and comfort toys. It is truly a blessing for foster family to have items ready that are often not reimbursed by the state. Many groups collect backpacks filled with age-appropriate items including blankets and comfort toys.

Partnering with Foster Care groups is vital in meeting needs of children & youth in foster care. Consider partnering with White’s Residential & Family Services as one of many organizations that serve families. Check out more details at FosterLoveNow.com.

MYTH #4 Click Here.