In a bid to address the shortage of foster care for older children in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs revealed a plan to hike rates for licensed foster homes. As reported by the Office of the Arizona Governor, the state's Department of Child Safety (DCS) aims to inspire more people to foster, particularly targeting the gap in care for children six years and older by introducing a 50% increase to the daily rate provided to licensed foster families. This calculation means families could receive between $1,000 to $1,700 monthly for each child, contingent on their necessities.
Gov. Hobbs stressed the need for more foster families in Arizona, a desire rooted in the spirit of the so-called Arizona Promise. "By recruiting and retaining more foster families, we are helping set more children up for success," Office of the Arizona Governor stated. Yet, despite these efforts, the state has observed a steep drop in both licensed foster homes and beds over recent years, which has forced many children into group homes, settings that fall short of offering the same support as a family home.
Arizona's history of financial support for foster care sketches a narrative of cuts and nominal increases—daily reimbursements saw a 20% reduction back in 2009, and only modest adjustments followed until now. Kathryn Ptak, the Director of DCS, emphasized the crucial role of foster and kinship families, noting "it is vital that we provide them with the opportunity to grow and heal in nurturing family environments," as noted by the Office of the Arizona Governor.
Several organizations have voiced their support for the increase. AZ Council of Human Service Providers President & CEO, Candy Espino, lauded the administration's decision. "This rate increase will help ensure they have the resources they need to succeed," Espino said, recognizing the stability caregivers bring to children's lives. Similarly, Katie O’dell, Executive Director of az127, highlighted the impact this change will have on Arizona's youth: "All children deserve stability, connection and the chance to thrive in a family," O'dell told the Office of the Arizona Governor.
With the holidays around the corner, Office of the Arizona Governor encourages those considering the foster or adoption journey to learn more about the process and the children who need families by visiting the DCS website for further information. This fiscal gesture, coinciding with a season that traditionally emphasizes togetherness, could prove to be the nudge needed for potential foster families to step forward and provide a supportive environment for children in state care.
