The federal government provides grants to states to help fund foster care programs. These funds provide care to children who are removed from the home on a permanent or temporary basis. The funds are used for running and implementing a program as opposed to social services benefits for the children. The way that funds for foster care have been given has changed over time, and the program is on a reimbursement, or matching, basis.
Features
The government provides grant money to the states for foster care programs. The funds are given to states upon application and approval, and there is a process for appeals. The state's records are monitored after funds have been awarded.
Purpose
These funds are provided to the states to provide appropriate care for children in either long- or short-term time frames that the state is responsible for as well as children that need to be removed temporarily from their home. The program places emphasis on finding a permanent solution for children in the foster care system, such as adoption or placing the children back with the parents when their issue has been resolved. This focus has been reported to have a benefit since there has been a decline in the number of children in the system.
Uses
The funds must be used for costs relating to foster care, including costs related to administration, training and data-collection programs. The funds may not be used for services for the child, family or foster family, including counseling for personal problems and behavioral issues.
History
Before 1961, each state was completely responsible for the expenses of foster care. At this time, the Flemming Rule was created in response to discrimination of welfare benefits payments to those children born out of wedlock. This required that children could be removed from the home if it was unsafe. Until 1980, foster care grants were based out of the welfare program, but they are now paid from their own program.
Size
The federal government provides more than $5 billion dollars to this program. These grants are on a reimbursement basis, and states are given partial or complete reimbursement of eligible expenses, without a set top contribution. There has been decline in the number of children supported by the program, but there has a been a steady rise in the amount of money requested from the states.
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