Fostering Idaho

No. While some foster parents are stay-at-home parents, many work full-time. If you are a working parent, daycare and afterschool childcare program expenses are paid for by the Department of Health and Welfare.

Idaho does not have a specific income requirement to foster. You must be able to show that your income can meet your personal expenses without the foster care reimbursement.

No. As long as you are at least 21 years old and are in good overall physical health you may foster.

If you are interested in seeing children who are currently looking for their adoptive family visit Idaho Wednesday's Child To learn more about the difference between fostering, adoption through foster care, and private adoption visit Idaho Health and Wellfare.

Yes. Foster parents receive a monthly reimbursement from the Department of Health and Welfare to cover basic costs like utilities, food and transportation for children. Ages 0-5 $395 Ages 6-12 $439 Ages 13-18 $584

No, parenting experience is not required to foster. You must love children, have safe parenting beliefs, and be willing to learn.

Yes. All children in foster care have Medicaid insurance. Additional medical expenses not covered through Medicaid are paid for by the Department of Health and Welfare. A foster parent will have no medical expenses for a child in their home.

Absolutely. You may foster if you are single, divorced, married, or living with a partner.