Foster parents open their homes not only to
the kids but also to the child’s birth parents and caseworkers.
The average monthly foster child expense reimbursement is $422
per month. Illinois has increased the monthly reimbursement only
once since 1999.
(On average an Illinois foster parent spends $703 per month—of
that $281 comes out of the foster parent’s pocket.) THIS IS JUST
AN AVERAGE. PLEASE CALCULATE YOUR OWN COSTS.
On average, I, personally, spend $XXX.00 per month EXTRA out of
my pocket. (Give examples of EXTRA money spent, money that
is not reimbursed or only partially reimbursed)
1. Transportation (Gasoline) $XXX
2. Food (Highlight in legislative contacts) $XXX
3. Clothes $XXX
4. Toys $XXX
5. School Supplies $XXX
6. School Athletics & Extra Curricula $XXX
7. Cleaning $XXX
8. Total Expenses $XXX
9. DCFS Payment $XXX
10. My Average Out-of-Pocket Expense $XXX
Foster parents need the legislature to grant an additional $24
million next year, raising the average monthly reimbursement to
$567, which would still be below my monthly average costs of $XXX.XX.
