5+ Get Paid To Be A Foster Parent (Benefits, Steps, FAQs)

Being a foster care parent to children is a great way to make money. It is one of the less popular but highly rewarding side jobs.

There are currently many foster parent job opportunities out there due to the high number of kids under the care of Federal, state, and private foster care organizations.

This post will discuss how you can get paid as a foster parent and other information that highly benefits anyone wanting to jump into this job.

Who is a Foster Parent?

A foster parent is an individual who acts as a parent for a kid for the time being that is not theirs biologically.

It takes the completion of several trainings for one to become a foster parent.

Top Reasons to Become a Foster Parent

Here are some of the most compelling reasons to become a foster parent:

1. Satisfying income:

Being a foster parent is a great way to make more money.

The agency you work for will offer you a rewarding income that will be enough for you to care for your needs and those of the children they place under your care.

It is a great side hustle for anyone, especially if you have a full-time job that also pays well.

2. Flexibility:

Foster parenting is not a full-time job. This makes it perfect for you if you want to make money from multiple job commitments.

3. Self-development:

Becoming a foster parent will impact your life positively.

By relating with the foster child under your care daily, you will develop new skills, acquire an in-depth knowledge of the child welfare system, and build valuable bonds.

4. Personal satisfaction:

Looking after a foster child can be highly satisfying and valuable.

By developing an affectionate environment for the kid, you can assist them in overcoming whatever emotional stress they may be suffering from.

Steps to Take to Become a Foster Parent in the US

You can become a foster parent in the US by following the steps below:

1. Reach out to an agency:

There are several foster parent agencies in the United States.

However, before picking the ones you would love to work for, conduct an extensive survey to know which offers good working conditions and greater financial compensation.

Contact the state’s Department of Child Services for more details about any organization that fancies you.

Then, reach out to the organization, informing them of your desire to work for them, and provide any details they need from you to get started.

2. Complete the necessary assessment:

Immediately after you apply, the organization will contact an official to collect your necessary details and assess you.

In most cases, they will inquire about your personal life, family, and work experience, which enables them to decide which kid suits you.

Also, you may be asked to complete a fingerprint accreditation for a criminal background check.

Completing the necessary assessment to work as a foster parent can take weeks.

3. Complete home evaluation:

The organization will send an agency worker to inspect your home and ensure it meets all the health and safety conditions ideal for kids.

So, ensure you do away with anything that will hamper your chances of passing the evaluation.

4. Complete the necessary training:

To stand a chance of working as a foster parent for any organization, complete some training sessions on foster care and how to give kids adequate care.

These trainings will also teach you how to handle problem kids and those suffering from serious medical conditions.

5. Get a placement:

Once you complete all the processes above, you can work with the company to choose the age and manner of the child that you desire to foster.

Immediately after your choice is approved, the company will send you a placement.

The company would consistently send you support besides the income you would receive to cater to the kid’s needs.

Ensure you don’t use these funds for anything other than that.

Requirements for Becoming a Foster Parent:

To become a foster parent, you must satisfy the following requirements:

Be up to the age of 21 years and above
Complete the necessary training
Have a steady source of income
You and the members of your household must be in excellent physical and mental condition.

Best Ways to Get Paid to Be a Foster Parent

Here are some of the best foster parent agencies in the United States:

1. AdoptUSKids:

AdoptUSKids is one of the leading foster parent agencies in the globe at the moment.

They are renowned for providing quality support services for children under their care.

The compensation AdoptUSKids pays the foster parents working for them is very attractive.

It is understood that this agency pays their foster parents an average of $800 per month and $1,800 for child support per child.

AdoptUSKids also has a relatively easy placement process, making working with them straightforward.

Also, they don’t collect commissions from those working as foster parents.

2. The New York Foundling:

The New York Foundling is another excellent option to consider if you want to get paid to be a foster parent.

It is one of the highest employers of foster parents in the United States.

You can make an average of $400 per day working as a foster parent for The New York Foundling.

The fact that this agency charges nothing as a commission makes their salary even better.

They have a round-the-clock emergency system for their employees and the kids under their care.

As one of the top ways to get paid to be a foster parent, the New York Foundling also consistently provides counseling and training sessions for foster care parents.

3. Bethany Christian Services:

Bethany Christian Services is one of the best ways to get paid to be a foster parent.

It is a popular agency renowned for providing adoption and foster care services.

You can earn an average of $550 monthly working as a foster parent for this company.

The agency will also give you about $35 daily for the child placed under your care.

They have a reliable team of medical professionals on standby to render adequate medical support when needed.

Bethany Christian Services doesn’t collect any commission from foster parents.

4. Casey Family Programs:

Casey Family Programs is another option to consider if you seek to make money as a foster parent in the United States.

They offer their services in all the states of the country.

They have close to 1,500 kids under their care at the moment. You can earn about $840 monthly working with Casey Family Programs as a foster parent.

Besides the salary, the agency will give you about $45 daily to care for the foster child under your care.

5. TFI:

TFI is an agency that assists kids to link up with families willing to take them under foster care.

They work hard to ensure all kids settle in a friendly and highly conducive environment.

TFI provides placement services, professional support, fostering resources, and much more to enable foster parents to do their jobs well.

The income of any foster parent working for TFI is determined by the number of kids they are taking care of, the special needs of the kid, and their location.

You can earn an average of $38 per day as a foster parent working for TFI in many states of the United States.

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois is one of the best ways to get paid to be a foster parent.

They also provide medical care programs that help devastated kids overcome whatever challenge they pass through.

It is understood that foster parents working for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois receive an average of about $461 monthly for a kid.

This support is meant to cover the clothing costs and other kids’ needs.

However, the fact that Lutheran Social Services of Illinois doesn’t collect any commission from the foster parents under their payroll makes it an attractive option for anyone who wants to get paid to be a foster parent.

7. Koinonia Family Services:

Koinonia Family Services is another foster parent agency in the United States that you consider if you desire to get paid to be a foster parent.

They pay an average of $1,800 monthly to foster parents working for them in California.

On the other hand, their foster parent employees in Nevada earn about $700 per month.

Generally, their compensation system differs with their kids’ age, needs, and location.

In addition to the mouth-watering compensation, Koinonia Family Services adequately trains foster parents to enable them to provide the best possible care consistently.

They offer sustainable financial support that is to be used for catering to the needs of these kids.

The kids are also entitled to free medical treatments, which is impressive.

Koinonia Family Services is undoubtedly one of the best foster parent agencies in the US.

8. Kidsave:

Kidsave is a popular agency for offering foster care services to kids regardless of their country of origin.

They put great work into developing trust between the foster family and the child.

Besides the US, they provide foster care services to children from countries such as Ukraine, Russia, and Colombia.

As a foster parent working for Kidsave, you can earn about $20,000 in grants yearly as financial compensation.

However, the agency charges $275 for hosting applications from anyone who wants to work as a foster parent for them.

Challenges of Being a Foster Parent for Money

Here are some of the biggest issues that can confront you as a foster parent:

1. Financial challenge:

Although you will be paid for being a foster parent, most times, it is not sufficient to cater to both your needs and those of the kid that is placed under your care.

2. Stress:

Looking after a kid with many emotional issues can be completely draining.

In some instances, the compensation you receive would not overshadow the difficulties of raising such kids.

3. Problem kids:

You may be tasked with raising a problem kid who is stubborn and disrespectful.

This can affect you as a person and affect how well you interact with people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Getting Paid to be a Foster Parent

Where can you earn so much money as a foster parent?

Foster parents in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland earn far more than foster parents in other parts of the country.

What is the most popular foster care?

Short-term foster care is far more popular in the United States than long-term foster care.

What are the things that can prevent you from being a foster parent?

You would not be allowed to be in foster care to anyone if you have served time for felony child abuse or neglect, spousal abuse, child pornography, rape, sexual assault, or homicide.

Who are those that are mostly accepted to be foster parents?

Nuclear family members, married but childless couples, and singles can work as foster care parents.

Conclusion

Becoming a foster parent in the United States is rewarding.

Besides the attractive compensation you would receive, you would also live a more fulfilling life.

This post has provided a list of some of the top foster parent agencies in the United States that offer good working conditions.

However, before becoming a foster parent, consider your time commitment, financial compensation, and home environment.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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