PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo announced Thursday she will recommend a $1.36 million increase in state financial support for foster families starting in July, an effort to encourage more Rhode Islanders to take children into their homes and provide a family setting for them.
The state has an immediate need for 250 families who can foster children who can not live with their families, according to a news release issued by the governor’s office.
The administration is trying to reduce the number of children and teens assigned to group homes and congregate care, who could be better served in individual homes.
The impact of the budget increase, if approved by the General Asssembly, on the daily board rates for care of foster children was not immediately clear. The $1.36 million increase is expected to be included in Raimondo’s fiscal 2019 budget proposal, which she will introduce on Jan. 18. The fiscal 2019 budget will take effect July 1.
The governor’s office could not be reached for immediate comment Thursday.
This year, foster parents receive payments that break down as follows: average daily board rates for children from birth to age 3, $19.75; ages 4-11, $19.26 and 12 and older $21.01.
Children in foster care also have medical expenses covered by the state, as well as day care if the foster parent works and a clothing allowance.
The daily board rates were last increased in fiscal 2016, the first budget under Raimondo. At that time, the state increased the budget for the foster family payments by $1.4 million, according to the state.
The last time they previously were increased was in 2001.
As part of her announcement, Raimondo also said that the Rhode Island Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation will support the state’s efforts to find more foster homes through a grant program.
The grant of $75,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation and $25,000 from the Annie E. Casey Foundation will allow the state Department of Children Youth and Families to provide a weekend retreat intended to expedite the training and licensing of families who want to take in foster children.
The Resource Family Retreat will be held March 9, 10 and 11.
Mary MacDonald is a staff writer for the PBN. Contact her at macdonald@pbn.com.
