Oregon lawmakers revise foster care bill to boost family reimbursement rates

In a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services, lawmakers addressed critical issues surrounding the recruitment and retention of resource families for foster care. The discussions highlighted the long-term impacts of inadequate support for these families, emphasizing that instability in foster care can lead to lasting trauma for children, ultimately hindering their potential.

One of the central topics was a proposed bill aimed at significantly increasing financial support for foster parents. Originally ambitious, the bill sought to reimburse foster families for at least 90% of the costs associated with raising a child, as determined by the USDA and adjusted for inflation. This would include actual childcare expenses and transportation costs, along with monthly respite care to help foster parents manage their responsibilities. However, the financial implications of such a comprehensive plan raised concerns about feasibility.

The committee acknowledged that the current reimbursement rates are insufficient, with estimates indicating a shortfall of $68.4 million for the current biennium and $93.6 million for the next. Currently, foster families receive between $958 and $1,022 per month, which does not adequately cover the costs of raising a child. If the proposed bill were fully implemented, families could see an increase of approximately $425 per month per child, which would significantly alleviate financial burdens.

Committee members expressed a strong desire to keep the conversation about foster care funding alive, even as the bill was revised to reflect budgetary constraints. They emphasized the importance of accountability in the budget process, proposing that a biennial report be created to track progress toward meeting the reimbursement goals. This report would provide transparency and help lawmakers understand how Oregon's foster care system compares to those in other states.

In addition to the main discussion, committee members encouraged further exploration of funding needs, referencing a specific policy option package that could provide an additional $123 million to support foster care initiatives. The sentiment among lawmakers was clear: addressing the needs of vulnerable children in the foster care system is a critical responsibility that requires ongoing attention and adequate funding.

As the committee moves forward, the focus will remain on ensuring that foster families receive the support they need to provide stable and nurturing environments for children. The anticipated biennial report will be a key tool in assessing progress and advocating for necessary changes in the state's approach to foster care funding.