So You Wanna Be a Georgia Foster Parent: Money, Myths, and the Milk Money Truth
Let's face it, fostering is a noble act of opening your home and heart to a child in need. But let's also be honest, everyone's gotta eat (especially growing kids with healthy appetites). So, the burning question is: how much do foster parents get paid in Georgia?
Hold Your Horses (and Don't Think Payday)
Before you start picturing a Scrooge McDuck money bin overflowing with reimbursement checks, let's pump the brakes. Foster parents aren't salaried employees. You don't get a paycheck. Instead, the state provides a per diem rate, which is basically a daily reimbursement to help cover the costs of raising a foster child.
Breaking Down the Benjamin Benjamins (or Lack Thereof)
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Here's the nitty-gritty: the per diem rate varies depending on the child's age. We're talkin' $15.04 for newborns up to 5-year-olds, $17.00 for 6-12 year olds, and $19.36 for teenagers (as of July 1, 2013). Yes, you read that right, 2013. The rates haven't budged in over a decade. Don't worry, we'll get to the inflation-sized elephant in the room later.
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| How Much Do Foster Parents Get Paid In Georgia |
Special Needs = Special Rates (Maybe)
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Now, things get a little more interesting for kiddos with special needs. Foster parents can request a special per diem, which bumps the daily rate up to $1.75 extra. Every penny counts, right? But be warned, getting this approved involves jumping through some bureaucratic hoops.
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The Reality Check: Milk Money Math
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So, let's do some quick math. Let's say you're fostering a teenage terror (affectionately, of course). At $19.36 per day, that's roughly $580.80 a month. Sounds okay, until you factor in groceries, clothes, school supplies, the occasional video game meltdown purchase (we've all been there), and...well, milk.
The Truth About the Milk Money
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Look, foster parenting is a labor of love. The financial reimbursement is meant to help offset the costs, not replace your income. But that doesn't mean you're on your own. Many organizations offer additional support, from clothing vouchers to transportation assistance.
Foster Care FAQ - How You Can Do It Right
Alright, alright, enough with the funny money talk. You're here because you have a big heart and want to make a difference. Here's a quick guide to get you started:
- How to Become a Foster Parent in Georgia: Contact the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at 1-877-423-4453.
- How to Prepare Your Home for a Foster Child: DFCS will provide training and help you ensure your home is safe and welcoming.
- How to Deal with the Challenges (and Rewards!) of Fostering: There will be ups and downs, but the impact you can make on a child's life is immeasurable.
- How to Find Additional Support: Organizations like The Foster Care Support Foundation offer resources and assistance to foster parents.
- How to Do It Because It Matters: Fostering is a way to change a child's life story. It's challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
So, there you have it. Fostering isn't about getting rich, but about enriching the life of a child. If you're up for the challenge, the rewards are far greater than any paycheck.
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