For the first time in more than a decade, Louisiana’s foster caregivers will receive an increase in the monthly board rate that provides financial support for the care of children and youth in the State’s custody.
The increase was included in H.B. 1, which appropriated an additional $11,946,139 for Louisiana foster caregivers for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
The additional state funding will allow for an increase of about 25% in the board rates paid to caregivers, raising the average daily rate from $15.20 to $19. The new rates went into effect on July 1, 2021.
The last rate increase was in 2007.
The increase in board rates also means an increase in adoption and guardianship subsidies, which are paid at 80% of the current foster care board rate for eligible families.
