Do you get a monthly check when you foster a child in California?
If you’re thinking about foster parenting, you may have a lot of questions—especially about how it works financially. One of the most common questions prospective foster carers ask is: Do you get a monthly check when you foster a child in California?
The short answer is yes, but it’s important to understand the purpose of these payments, how they’re calculated, and what to expect when fostering children. These monthly payments are not income or compensation; instead, they are reimbursements intended to help cover the costs associated with providing care to a child in the foster care system.
In this blog, we’ll break down how monthly reimbursements work in California, what influences the amount, and what you can expect when you decide to become a foster parent.
What Is a Foster Care Reimbursement?
When you foster a child in California, you receive a monthly reimbursement from the state to help with the child’s everyday living expenses. This includes things like:
Food and groceries
Clothing and school supplies
Transportation and gas
Utilities and housing
Personal care items
The goal is to ensure that foster carers are not financially burdened while providing for a child in need. Being a foster parent is a big commitment, and this support helps families provide a stable, nurturing environment.
How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid Monthly?
As of recent statewide guidelines, basic monthly reimbursement rates for foster parenting typically range from about $1,000 to $1,200 per child. This amount can vary depending on several key factors, including:
The age of the child
The child’s specific needs
The level of care required
The foster care agency managing the placement
California uses a Level of Care (LOC) system to determine monthly rates. The LOC assessment considers the amount of supervision, time, and support each child needs. Children with medical needs, behavioral challenges, or developmental delays may qualify for a higher rate.
In addition to the base rate, foster carers may be eligible for additional support such as:
Clothing allowances
Mileage reimbursement
Respite care services
Counseling or therapy support
Training stipends
These supports may be more accessible through private foster care agencies, which often offer more hands-on resources than county-based systems.
Why Reimbursement, Not Income?
It’s important to note that foster care payments are not considered income. They are not taxable and are meant solely to assist with child-related costs. Being a foster parent is not a job—it’s a public service and an act of compassion. The reimbursement exists to make sure finances don’t become a barrier for families who want to foster.
If you're planning to become a foster carer, your foster care agency will provide a detailed explanation of how and when payments are distributed and what expenses are covered.
Choosing the Right Foster Care Agency
The foster care agency you choose will influence your experience significantly. Agencies serve as your training provider, licensing guide, and ongoing support team throughout your fostering journey. Whether you go through a county agency or one of the many private foster care agencies in California, finding the right fit is essential.
A strong foster care agency will:
Offer comprehensive training before and after placement
Provide 24/7 support for emergencies or questions
Help match children to your home and parenting style
Assist with documentation, court appearances, and education planning
If you’re currently researching “foster care near me,” take the time to speak with multiple agencies, ask questions about their support model, and explore how they manage reimbursement and post-placement care.
What to Expect as a Foster Parent in Butte County, CA
If you live in Butte County and are considering fostering children, understanding local resources and expectations is important. The What to Expect as a Foster Parent in Butte County, CA guide outlines the key steps, from the home inspection and background checks to the training process and placement support.
It also offers valuable insight into how local agencies work, what types of support are available in the community, and how to prepare your home and family for the experience.
Becoming a Foster Parent in Butte County
Foster parenting in Butte County is a structured and supported process. To get started, you’ll complete an orientation, participate in mandatory training, complete background checks, and have your home evaluated for safety and readiness.
If you’re just starting your research or ready to begin the licensing process, the Guide to Becoming a Foster Parent in Butte County, CA is a valuable resource. It walks you through each requirement step by step and helps answer common questions about timelines, paperwork, and placement options.
More Than a Monthly Payment
While monthly reimbursements help cover the cost of fostering children, the true rewards go far beyond financial support. As a foster parent, you provide safety, healing, and hope to children going through difficult transitions. You give them structure, comfort, and a sense of belonging—sometimes for a short time, and sometimes for much longer.
Foster parenting requires flexibility, patience, and empathy. But with the right support and preparation, it’s an experience that can transform lives—both the child’s and yours.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent or want more information about monthly reimbursement, local support services, or agency options in Butte County, we’re here to help. We’ll walk with you every step of the way as you prepare to be a foster parent and offer life-changing care to a child who needs you.
Call CHICO, CA: (530) 893-1614 or REDDING, CA: (530) 365-9197, or visit their website at Youth & Family Programs Contact Page to get in touch. Your support could change a child’s life forever.