What is the Pay for Foster Parents in Missouri?

Foster parents provide a loving, stable and secure home for children who cannot live with their biological parents because of abuse, neglect, abandonment or death. While most foster parents volunteer for the position because they love children and want to help their community, there are costs associated with raising children, even short-term. Missouri recognizes that fact and provides financial reimbursement for foster parents.

  1. Monthly Maintenance Reimbursement

    • The state of Missouri pays foster parents a monthly maintenance reimbursement designed to cover the costs associated with caring for the child -- including room and board, incidentals and clothing. In general, foster parents are paid $282 per month for children up to age five; $335 per month for children ages 6 to 12; and $372 per month for children 13 years and older. In some cases, if you foster a child from birth to age three, there is an additional $50 per month payment to help cover the cost of diapers, formula and other infant supplies. If a foster child stays with you for less than a month, the maintenance payment is prorated for the number of nights the child is with you.

    STAR Payments

    • Some foster parents in Missouri complete training above and beyond the foster parent licensing criteria, which makes them eligible for increased monthly maintenance payments. Specialized Training, Assessment, Resource and Support, or STAR, licensed foster parents are paid an extra $100 per month for their foster children. This extra money is intended to defray the costs associated with attending court hearings, team meetings, additional training and family visits to help place children in a permanent adoptive home.

    Clothing Allowance

    • While the monthly maintenance reimbursement is intended to help purchase clothing for your foster child, foster children also receive a yearly clothing allowance based on their age. Children up to 5 years old are allotted $250 per year; 6 to 12 year-olds receive $290; and children aged 13 and older receive $480. Foster parents can either purchase clothing and submit the receipts for reimbursement, or request a voucher to purchase clothing at approved retailers using the agency charge account.

    Mileage Reimbursement

    • Missouri foster parents can also request mileage reimbursement for driving their foster child to approved activities -- such as counseling and medical appointments, parental visits or court hearings. Foster parents can also request reimbursement for miles driven to bring their foster child to school, if the child attends a school more than 10 miles from their foster care placement. Foster parents are reimbursed at the current state mileage reimbursement rate as of the date of the trip. In addition, foster parents can request reimbursement for babysitting expenses incurred when they attend mandated foster parent in-service training, up to $2 per hour, per child.

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