What allowance do foster carers get?

Foster care allowance payments vary widely dependent upon the state. In the state of Texas, the foster care allowance for a two-year-old child, a nine-year-old child or a 16-year-old teenager is $652 per month.

While allowance payments vary, experts agree that the monthly allowance is not sufficient to provide adequate care. It is mandated by federal law that state and local welfare agencies provide a monthly stipend to ensure adequate care for foster children. Basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter and school supplies are paid for with the monthly allowance. According to Children's Rights, insufficient allowance payments may result in poor foster care and low recruitment and retention rates.