To address Arizona’s foster home shortage, Governor Katie Hobbs announced a significant increase in daily payments to foster families. ABC15 reports that payments for children aged 6 and older will rise by 50%, reaching $1,000–$1,700 per month per child, depending on the level of care. Foster families have welcomed the increase.
Arizona currently has about 3,000 licensed foster families for roughly 7,600 children in care. Governor Hobbs’ initiative aims to recruit more foster homes and reduce reliance on group homes, which are more expensive and less stable. KOLD reports that over 1,000 new foster homes are needed in the next year for children aged 6 to 17.
The increase gives foster families more financial flexibility for comprehensive care. Desirae Parker-Willis, a foster parent who was adopted from foster care, told ABC15, “We can still give the experiences we want to give. We can be able to provide a sense of normalcy.” She urged others to become foster parents despite the challenges: “Take that leap, be brave. We need brave people because we do not have enough homes.”
Ruben Rosthenhausler, another foster parent, shared with KOLD the joy of supporting his foster daughter: “My wife and I, my family, playing a little part in giving that little girl that happiness and that peace, and to know that she’s safe and she can then grow mentally, physically, and spiritually... you can’t put a price on it.” The increased financial support aims to lessen the burden on families while allowing them to provide such care.
Foster parents also request better communication with the state. Kate Scally-Howell, a foster parent to six children, told KOLD, “A lot of times talking to other foster parents, we feel like we’re not heard.” These improvements aim to enhance cooperation and support the foster care system and the children it serves.
