Utah needs foster families, but is it becoming too expensive?
Jul 30, 2024, 9:33 AM
Utah's need for foster families continues to grow, but fewer people can afford it. Experts say the economy is to blame. Photo: Getty Images
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s need for foster families continues to grow, but fewer people can afford it. Experts say the economy is to blame.
Utah Foster Care Director of Recruitment, Jennie Sheperd said most people who would otherwise like to open their homes to foster children, no longer feel it’s economically feasible.
Even with programs like Medicaid and WIC, most families now have to be dual income – meaning they will need outside childcare. And there currently is no funding for that.
“It is a huge barrier,” Sheperd said. “It may be that families have space in their homes and they have love and care to give, but it’s a whole different matter when we’re talking about budgetary considerations to have children join your home.”
Parents in foster families currently receive $21 a day, but that doesn’t cover a day of child care, not to mention the cost of food and other things needed to care for children.
Britt Johnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.
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