Foster Parents, Backers Rally for Government Aid Increase

About 75 foster parents and supporters rallied Friday outside the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration in support of state legislation that would increase their government assistance payments by 25%. It would be the first increase since 1990.

Assemblyman Jan Goldsmith (R-Poway), said the state was losing foster parents while the need for housing for the abused and neglected children continues to grow. Foster parents chanted: “We want an increase!”

The standard monthly rate for infant care is $345, and $412 for adolescents. Goldsmith said studies have shown that it takes more than $500 per month to care for a child.

Goldsmith’s bill would make foster parents eligible for annual cost of living increases after the initial increase. But proponents said the proposal would actually save money because children would be kept out of group homes and other facilities that receive up to $5,000 a month.