When talking with prospective foster parents, one common question that comes up is, “How much do foster parents get paid in Oregon?” Most of the time, this isn’t a selfish question coming from someone who’s wondering if fostering is a get rich quick scheme. (Spoiler alert: it’s not.)
Usually, it’s a genuine question from good people who really want to become foster parents, but they’re not sure if it’s financially possible for them.
If this describes you, you’re not alone. Being a foster parent is an immensely rewarding experience, but it also comes with some challenges. And one big challenge for many foster parents is finances. That’s why Foster Plus offers extra financial support: to empower foster parents to provide the best possible care for their foster kids, without needing to constantly worry about how to make ends meet.
Foster Plus is an effort of nonprofit social service agencies in Oregon dedicated to offering extra support beyond traditional foster care services. This includes extra financial support to enable foster parents to care for foster kids with higher needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the role that this financial support plays in foster care and how the extra assistance from Foster Plus agencies can make a significant difference in the lives of foster families.
The Role of Financial Support in Foster Care
Generally, financial assistance in foster care is designed to cover the essentials. Think food, clothing, housing, and other basic necessities. But the reality is fostering involves many additional expenses that go beyond these basics. This can include anything from providing transportation to appointments and activities to paying for extracurricular activities, educational supplies, and therapeutic services, which can add up quickly.
For many foster parents, balancing these expenses while providing a safe and loving environment can be challenging. That’s where the extra financial support from Foster Plus agencies comes in. It’s a way to ensure foster families have what they need—whether that’s specialized training, extra resources, or time to focus on their foster kid’s well-being—without added financial stress.
Fostering takes patience, commitment, and deep emotional investment. Financial support helps foster parents stay focused on what matters most: creating a stable, healing home where foster kids can thrive.
How Our Level of Support Differs From Traditional Foster Care
Foster Plus agencies collaborate closely with Oregon’s Department of Human Services to deliver what’s called “treatment foster care” programs, while the State of Oregon primarily oversees the larger population of foster kids in traditional foster care. All foster kids receive medical and dental care through the Oregon Health Plan, but Foster Plus agencies provide higher financial support because treatment foster care demands a greater level of commitment, specialized training, and family resources.
Here’s why we offer additional support to foster parents:
- Children in treatment foster care often have complex emotional, behavioral, or medical needs that require more intensive supervision, therapeutic interventions, and structured support from foster parents.
- Foster parents in these programs undergo additional training and are expected to use one of Foster Plus agencies’ evidence-based, trauma-informed, therapeutic approaches that go beyond what’s typically required in general foster care.
- Foster Plus’ extra financial support for foster parents — in addition to relief care availability and 24/7 support services — helps reduce burnout and turnover, ensuring that foster parents can continue providing care without financial strain, leading to more stable foster home placements.
- Treatment foster parents work closely with agencies, often attending more meetings, coordinating with therapists, and following specialized care plans, which adds to their responsibilities.
Caring for a child or teen in treatment foster care takes patience, commitment, and deep emotional investment. Foster Plus’ extra financial support for these foster families reflects the higher level of care and commitment required, helping foster parents focus on providing a nurturing environment where foster kids with higher needs can heal and grow.
How Extra Financial Support Helps Foster Parents
Fostering a child or teen in need is not only a financial investment, but also an emotional one. Extra financial support is meant to help foster parents thrive in this important role.
Here are just a few of the ways that extra financial support can make fostering “easier” on foster parents:
Access to specialized training & education
Foster parenting requires continuous learning and development to effectively meet the diverse needs of foster kids. Extra financial support can be allocated to training programs, workshops, and seminars that give foster parents the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of fostering. Extra support can cover costs for advanced trauma-informed care training, de-escalation techniques, or certifications that help foster parents better support foster kids with higher needs.
Cover foster kids’ medical bills & therapy expenses
Many foster kids require medical and therapeutic services to address physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Extra financial support can help cover the costs of healthcare, including doctor visits, medications, and specialized treatments. It also enables foster parents to provide necessary therapeutic services, such as counseling and mental health support, which are vital for supporting foster kids who have experienced trauma.
Pay for home improvements & supplies
Extra financial support helps foster parents make necessary home improvements, purchase furniture, and create a space where foster kids can feel secure and loved. It can also be used to help pay for safety modifications, sensory-friendly items, or other specialized equipment needed to make a home more supportive for foster kids with higher needs.
Lower out-of-pocket grocery store expenses
Many kids in treatment foster care have specific dietary needs or exhibit trauma-related behaviors (i.e., food insecurity issues) that cause them to consume food at a higher rate. By easing the financial strain on foster parents, extra financial support helps foster parents focus on meeting their foster kids’ food-related needs — instead of worrying about higher grocery bills.
Buy clothing & personal items for foster kids
Many foster kids arrive at their foster homes with very few belongings, and they often need extra clothing, shoes, or sensory-friendly items to help them feel comfortable. With extra financial support, foster parents are able to provide their foster kids with these essential items, which can go a long way toward helping foster kids feel more at home.
Pay for transportation-related expenses
Transportation costs can add up quickly for foster parents, especially for those who need to drive their foster kids to frequent therapy, medical, or specialist visits. When it comes to transportation expenses, extra financial support can help cover gas, vehicle maintenance, and even public transit costs.
Enable work and schedule flexibility
Additional financial support can give foster parents the flexibility they need to adjust work hours, take time off, or reduce outside employment to better meet their foster kid’s needs and schedule.
Purchase school supplies & technology
Foster kids may need additional educational support, such as tutoring or specialized learning materials. With extra financial assistance, foster parents can invest in these resources to help their children succeed academically. Extra financial support can also help foster parents purchase laptops, tablets, or other assistive technology for foster kids with learning differences.
Pay for extracurricular activities
Participation in sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities are massively beneficial to any child’s development. Extra financial support lets foster parents enroll their foster kids in these important activities, which help foster kids grow their talents and interests while building their social skills and confidence.
Take advantage of self-care resources
Extra financial support can help foster parents take advantage of important resources for stress relief, such as attending a foster parent support group, counseling, or other activities that help them maintain their emotional well-being.
Financial relief during emergencies and unforeseen circumstances
Foster families sometimes experience unexpected costs related to placement disruptions, emergency supplies, or urgent home adjustments. Extra financial support can be an invaluable resource during these difficult times.
How Extra Financial Support Enriches Foster Kids’ Lives
Extra financial support from Foster Plus partner agencies doesn’t just benefit foster parents—it also helps foster kids thrive as well. Here are some examples of how this support can enrich the lives of foster kids:
Creates educational opportunities for foster kids
Extra financial support allows foster kids to access quality education, participate in enrichment programs, and receive the academic support they need to succeed. Older foster youth can benefit from funds for SAT prep, college application fees, vocational training, or job readiness programs.
Lets foster kids participate in extracurricular activities
Whether it’s joining a sports team, taking music lessons, or participating in art classes, extracurricular activities help foster kids develop new skills, build confidence, regulate their emotions, and form lasting friendships. Many foster kids miss out on camp experiences. With extra financial support, foster parents can send their foster kids to summer camps and other after-school programs that help kids make friends and become more independent.
Gives foster kids access to therapy & counseling beyond Medicaid coverage
Many foster kids require counseling and therapeutic services to address past traumas and emotional challenges. Some foster kids may benefit from specialized therapy—like EMDR or art therapy—that isn’t fully covered by state funds. Extra financial support lets foster kids get the treatment they need to heal and grow. For foster kids who may benefit from having an emotional support animal, extra funds can also help pay for that pet’s care.
Gives foster kids comfortable home environments
Extra financial support helps foster parents create a loving and secure space where foster kids can feel safe. This includes purchasing calming and sensory-friendly items to help foster kids deal with feelings of anxiety and overstimulation, such as weighted blankets, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones. Extra funds can also help foster parents decorate a child’s room with comforting items like new bedding, nightlights, or personalized decor that make them feel at home.
Lets foster kids experience celebrations & family fun
Extra financial support helps make sure that foster kids experience meaningful birthdays, holidays, and cultural celebrations complete with gifts, outings, and special meals. Foster parents can also use extra funds to pay for fun, family-bonding experiences like day trips to a theme park or nature outings. These experiences can help foster kids feel closer to their foster families and more at home.
Lets foster kids visit their siblings & family
Sometimes foster kids are separated from their siblings or other biological family members. Extra financial support can help cover travel costs so foster kids can stay connected with these loved ones.
Make a Difference with the Right Support
Financial support is about more than just meeting basic needs; it’s about giving foster parents the solid foundation they need to open their homes and provide life-changing care for their foster kids. By alleviating financial stress, Foster Plus is committed to helping foster parents focus on what truly matters—nurturing, supporting, and loving the foster kids in their care.
If you’re considering becoming a foster parent, we encourage you to attend an information session to learn more about the fostering process and connect with your local Foster Plus agency. If you’re not sure fostering is right for you, we still encourage you to attend a session. There’s no pressure to sign up to become a foster parent—just come to learn more and ask questions!
For those who may not be ready for a full-time commitment, relief care—also known as respite care—is a fantastic way to get involved. Relief caregivers provide temporary care for foster kids, offering a much-needed break for full-time foster parents. It’s a rewarding way to support foster parents and make a positive impact in a foster kid’s life.
If you have any questions about financial support for foster parents, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can send us a message at info@fosterplus.org and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
