What is the basic foster care rate in California?
Foster parenting is a meaningful commitment that gives children in need a safe, stable place to live during a time of uncertainty. If you're considering becoming a foster parent in California, one of the common questions you may have is, "What is the basic foster care rate in California?"
Understanding the financial aspects of fostering children is an important part of preparing for the journey. While foster parenting is motivated by compassion and care, it also requires practical support to meet a child’s day-to-day needs. This blog will explain how California’s foster care reimbursement works, what you can expect from the basic rate, and how that rate may vary depending on several factors.
Whether you're just starting your search with a phrase like "foster care near me" or you're looking to become a foster carer in Butte County or beyond, this guide will help you better understand the foster care system.
What Is a Foster Care Reimbursement?
In California, foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement intended to help cover the cost of caring for the children placed in their home. These funds are not considered income. Instead, they are designed to offset the expenses related to food, clothing, transportation, school supplies, personal care, and other daily living needs.
Being a foster parent involves providing not just emotional support, but also a stable, comfortable home where children can feel safe. The state recognizes that this comes with financial responsibility and provides foster care payments to assist families.
What Is the Basic Foster Care Rate?
As of the most recent state guidelines, the basic foster care rate in California starts at approximately $1,000 per month per child. This base amount can vary slightly depending on the county or foster care agency involved, and it may be adjusted annually based on state budget allocations.
The base rate is designed for children who do not require any special supervision or medical care beyond the typical needs of a child. It helps cover essentials such as:
Housing and utilities
Food and groceries
Clothing and hygiene supplies
Transportation to school, medical appointments, or visitation
For many families, this monthly reimbursement makes it financially feasible to provide care for a child through the foster care system.
What Factors Can Increase the Monthly Rate?
While the basic rate provides a starting point, California uses a Level of Care (LOC) system to determine if a child needs additional support. A child with higher emotional, behavioral, or medical needs may require a more intensive level of care, which results in a higher monthly reimbursement.
The LOC system assesses factors such as:
The child’s ability to perform daily tasks independently
History of trauma or behavioral challenges
Educational support needs
Required therapy or medical care
In cases where children qualify for a higher level of care, the monthly payment can increase by several hundred dollars per child to reflect the added time, effort, and resources needed.
Additional Support and Allowances
In addition to the basic foster care rate, foster carers may be eligible for other forms of support, including:
Clothing allowances at the time of placement
Medical and dental care through Medi-Cal
Respite care services to allow foster parents short-term breaks
Training stipends or mileage reimbursements
Holiday and birthday support funds depending on the agency
Some private foster care agencies may also offer enhanced support, including wraparound services, on-call support teams, and mental health resources for both the child and the caregiver.
The Role of the Foster Care Agency
Foster care agencies play a vital role in guiding you through the approval process and supporting you once a child is placed in your home. They help assess the appropriate reimbursement level based on each child’s needs and ensure that you have access to necessary resources.
Whether you choose to work with a public agency or one of the many private foster care agencies in California, your agency will be your partner throughout the fostering experience. They will help with placement matching, check-ins, ongoing training, and crisis support.
Becoming a Foster Parent in Butte County
If you’re considering becoming a foster parent in Northern California, the Guide to Becoming a Foster Parent in Butte County, CA is a helpful starting point. This guide outlines each step in the process, from orientation and application to training and licensing.
In Butte County, foster care agencies work closely with families to ensure they’re prepared for the responsibilities of being a foster parent. They also help families understand how the basic foster care rate and Level of Care system apply to their specific placements.
Is the Basic Foster Care Rate Enough?
The basic foster care rate is intended to support the cost of caring for a child—not to act as a salary or source of income. Most foster parents don’t do it for the money; they do it because they want to help children in crisis feel safe, supported, and loved.
However, the reimbursement helps ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent families from being able to provide a stable home. With additional resources from foster care agencies and state-funded programs, foster carers are better equipped to meet the needs of the children in their care.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the financial aspect of fostering is an important part of the decision to become a foster parent. The basic foster care rate in California—starting at around $1,000 per month per child—is a foundational part of that support. Additional funding is available for children with higher needs, and many agencies offer resources to help you navigate the process.
If you're interested in fostering children, there's no better time to start. Every child deserves a safe, loving home—and you can provide that.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you're ready to take the next step or want to learn more about foster care reimbursements and the approval process, we’re here to help. We’ll help you get started and support you every step of the way as you prepare to be a foster parent and change a child’s life for the better.
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.