Do You Get Paid for Foster Care in Florida?

Foster parents provide a safe and loving environment for children aged 18 years and younger. Foster children are removed from their homes either temporarily or permanently due to unsafe conditions. The Florida Department of Children and Families oversees the licensing of foster parents and the administration of the foster care program. Foster care counselors are available to meet with foster parents on a regular basis to address any concerns they have about caring for their child.

  1. Child Care Reimbursement

    • The Florida Department of Children and Families provides reimbursement to foster parents for a portion of the costs of caring for a foster child. The amount of reimbursement varies depending on the age of the child and the length of time that the child spends with his foster parents. Medicaid covers any health care costs related to caring for the foster child.

    Orientation and Training

    • To become a foster parent, applicants must first contact a foster care specialist. The Florida Department of Children and Families foster care recruitment list provides a list of specialists and their contact information. Applicants must attend an orientation meeting to learn more about the foster care program, application and licensing process. They must also complete up to 30 hours of training in foster care parenting. Training modules include parenting philosophy, personal finances, relationships, lifestyle, support system and reasons for becoming a foster parent.

    Home Assessment

    • As part of the application process, the Florida Department of Children and Families conducts an assessment of an applicant's home environment to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for a foster child. The Department also conducts a background check on all those living in the applicant's household for law enforcement violations. The Department uses references from an applicant's employer, friends and family to determine eligibility for the foster care program.

    Licensing

    • Individuals who successfully complete the home assessment, training sessions, and receive Departmental recommendation to provide foster care are licensed as foster parents by the state. Licensed foster parents can accept foster children into their home. On average, the licensing process takes up to four months. To maintain a valid foster care license, foster care parents must renew their foster parent license and complete eight hours of re-certification training each year.

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