Can I Afford to Foster or Adopt?

Wondering what it costs to foster or adopt? Great news, it’s not as expensive as you might think.

There are some small costs you’ll have to pay, such as preparing your home for the fire inspection, getting TB tests and a few other small steps as you work toward becoming licensed, but you’ll never be charged for any of the services that PCHAS provides. If you adopt, you may have to pay some fees to the court and attorney but those are typically less than $1,500 per adoption.

There are also some great financial resources that make it possible for many families to afford to foster and/or adopt.

While Families are Fostering

Families receive a per diem based on each child’s needs. PCHAS pays this reimbursement to families monthly and supplements with additional funds beyond the state’s required rates. This money isn’t taxable and it’s not a dollar-for-dollar reimbursement; it offsets the expenses families take on when they volunteer to care for children. This typically covers most essentials (food, toiletries and clothing) and pays for special things like field trips and extracurricular activities.

Children in foster care in Texas receive STAR Health Medicaid insurance. This plan covers most medical, dental, specialty and therapeutic providers as well as prescribed medications and medical equipment. Foster families do not pay for premiums, co-pays or any services covered by Medicaid.

Families in which all adult caregivers work full-time outside of the home may qualify for daycare subsidy, when available. PCHAS staff will work with you to explore this option if you receive a child that will be attending daycare full-time.

After Families Adopt

All families that adopt children from the foster care system in Texas qualify to receive Post Adoption Services. These support services help families find resources and assistance as they navigate the lifelong journey of adoption.

Families qualify to negotiate with the state for an adoption subsidy package based on the children’s needs when they adopt children who are:

• Age 6 or older
  
• Age 2 or older of a minority race
  
• Adopted together with at least one sibling
  
• Diagnosed with a lifelong disabling condition
  

This benefits package continues until the child turns 18 years old and can include a monthly stipend of up to $400, Medicaid coverage, one-time adoption-related expenses (like attorney and court fees) up to $1200.00 and/or a tuition waiver for state-supported colleges or universities.

Great families, like you, don’t decide to foster or adopt because of the money, but still have to be realistic about the costs of parenting. If you have questions about the financial aspects of fostering or adopting, or any other questions, please connect with one of our Foster Care & Adoption Guides. You can reach us at 281-324-0544 or fosteradopt@pchas.org.