Foster Caregiver Resources

Expense Reimbursement Information

Car Seats

Can DCFS purchase car seats for foster children?

• Yes, contact your caseworker.
• The local office may provide a car seat or reimburse your purchase.
• Maximum reimbursement:
  • $150 for infant/toddler seats
  • $50 for booster seats
• Refer to DCFS Policy for more details here.

Non-Child-Related Reimbursements

What can I be reimbursed for that isn’t directly related to a foster child?

• Babysitting Fees:
  • Up to $10/hr for one child, $15/hr for multiple children when participating in required training
  • Limits: $200/year for pre-service training, $125/year for in-service training
• Swimming Pool Alarms: Up to $40 reimbursement
• Mileage: Reimbursed at $0.67/mile for training-related travel
• Web-based Training:
  • Up to $4 per topic
  • Max $60/year
  • Submit training certificates to your Home Development worker to be reimbursed.

Child-Related Reimbursements

What can I be reimbursed for when the expense is directly related to a child?

• Clothing:
  • Up to $300 (under 12) or $400 (12+) within the first 30 days
  • Annual replacement:
    • Up to $200 (under 12)
    • Up to $300 (12+)
• Incidental Expenses: Up to $40 for basic personal items within the first 30 days
• Luggage: Up to $100
• School Supplies: Up to $75/year
• School Uniforms:
  • Up to $150 for Pre-K to 5th grade
  • Up to $250 for middle/high school
• Backpacks: Up to $50/year
• Mileage: $0.67/mile for transportation to/from visits, court, appointments
• Medications: Reimbursement for prescribed medications not covered by Medicaid
• Educational Expenses:
  • Tutoring, band instruments (up to $400)
  • Club dues, special event clothing (up to $500/year)
  • Senior expenses (up to $700)
  • School pictures/yearbooks (up to $50 twice/year)
• Recreational Activities: Up to $900/year for camps, trips, memberships, etc.
• Hair Care: Up to $400/year for approved haircuts and treatments

Reimbursement Process

How do I get reimbursed?

• Submit Expense Reimbursement Form (Form 435 )with itemized receipts to your foster care worker. Keep copies for your records.
• Email receipts and provide originals during monthly visits.
• Contact your foster care worker if reimbursement isn't received within 30 days.
• Access Expense Reimbursement Form (Form 435) here.

Forms:

Expense Reimbursement Form (Form 435): Download

Direct Deposit Form: Download

Foster Care Policy FAQs: Download

Foster Caregiver Progress Form:

• Download Paper Form
• Access Online Form

Expense Reimbursement Form (Form 435): Download

Direct Deposit Form: Download

Access DCFS Policy Online

Foster Care Handbook: Download

Support

• Mentor Program
• Need a mentor?
• Want to be a mentor?

Resources

• Foster Care Fact Sheet: Download
• DCFS+CASA Flyer: Download
• CASA FAQs: Download
• Louisiana Foster Care Support Organizations

Download the Foster Friendly LA app on your phone below

Recruiter Roles

Support for Certified Foster Caregivers:

• Serve as a point of contact for foster caregivers who have questions pertaining to their role as caregivers.
• Assist certified foster caregivers with identifying community resources and support groups.

Foster Caregiver Recruitment:

• Create awareness about the need for foster homes in communities throughout their assigned region through presentations, public events, and collaboration with other individuals and organizations in the community.

Community Engagement and Resource Identification:

• Identify local organizations that provide supportive services and resources for children and families served by DCFS.
• Engage local businesses, churches, and organizations in foster caregiver recruitment and support efforts.
• Organize Community Collaborative Meetings in their assigned region.

Guidance through the Certification Process:

• Serve as the initial point of contact for all families who are interested in becoming foster/adoptive caregivers.
• Lead Foster Caregiver Orientation with prospective families.
• Assist families with registering for A Journey Home pre-service training.
• Serve as the DCFS point-of-contact for A Journey Home training to answer questions and provide resources as needed.

Upcoming:

Expense Reimbursement Information

Car Seats

Can DCFS purchase car seats for foster children?

• Yes, contact your caseworker.
• The local office may provide a car seat or reimburse your purchase.
• Maximum reimbursement:
  • $150 for infant/toddler seats
  • $50 for booster seats
• Refer to DCFS Policy for more details here.

• Please make sure to read all RAVE alerts and emails carefully. After the storm, a RAVE alert and email will be sent to those in affected areas. You will need to respond to confirm that your family is safe.
• A Foster Parent Hurricane Francine helpline opens at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10. If you can't reach your caseworker and need assistance, call 1-833-788-1351.
• After the storm, you can also use this number to report that you and the foster children are safe.
• Be sure to check out the attached Foster Caregiver's Emergency Preparation Guide for more information.