What are the costs to become a foster parent?

Question

I'm not asking for a specific dollar amount, I'm asking what you have to pay for. My husband and I are just starting to look into becoming foster parents, but can't find a straight forward answer on what the different costs are.
We are in the US.
I also want to add, we would like to adopt through foster care when given the opportunity. What costs would we be looking at for that as well?

Answer

My family did foster parenting for several years. You will have to pay for background checks, some paperwork, and minor home modifications (like if you need safety gates, etc). The state does pay a certain amount to you to be used for food, and clothing for the children but it often wasn’t really enough. My parents paid out of pocket for extra school supplies, toys, bedding, etc.

Answer

You should google CPS and your town and speak with their resource coordinator. That’s who you’d be dealing with anyways in order to become foster parents. 
But it’s free. They also give you a tiny stipend for certain things. But it’s all free (besides raising the kid - you know: food and clothes and such).  But kids who come into foster care often come with a lot of baggage (emotionally, mentally, sometimes physically). It can be hard for the foster parents as well (bringing the child to visits with their parents whom you might think don’t deserve visits, potentially reuniting the children with said parents after you’ve bonded with them for months, etc).  
But it’s all free. All of it (adoption too). Because it’s hard. But it’s such an important role and opportunity for these kids - to have forever homes with people who love them and will be good to them. Good for you for going this route, we need more of you!

Answer

Experiences with foster care depends on the state. So that’s one reason you won’t be able to get a straight forward answer. Your best bet is to google “how to become a foster parent in (your state)” and see where that takes you. Look at .gov websites to get reliable info and resources. Call and ask to speak to someone about it. Speaking to someone isn’t signing you up for it. It’s just getting the info for wanting to sign up. You’re going to be a guardian for a child so you will pay for what they need. Your state may reimburse you for expenses which is what people considering being paid. The reimbursement depends on the child and their needs. Every child needs different things.

Answer

I don’t think there really are any. I think you actually get paid don’t you?

What are the costs to become a foster parent?

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