Fiscal Note
BILL # SB 1490 TITLE: kinship foster care stipend; increase
SPONSOR: Alston STATUS: As Introduced
PREPARED BY: Maggie Rocker
Description
The bill would increase the monthly kinship care stipend from $300 to $600 via $100 increments on a calendar year basis
beginning in CY 2026.
Estimated Impact
We estimate the $300 stipend increase would generate a cost of $2.2 million in FY 2026, $6.5 million in FY 2027, and
$10.8 million in FY 2028, with the full phase-in amount of $12.9 million realized in FY 2029. These estimates were derived
by multiplying average monthly caseloads by the relevant stipend amounts.
The bill may also have secondary impacts of an unknown magnitude on DCS out-of-home placement costs. It would make
kinship reimbursement comparable to some licensed foster home placements, which may reduce the number of kinship
caregivers pursuing licensure and associated federal funding. The bill may also reduce the number of other placements
with other providers, such as group homes, if higher stipends increase the number of available kinship caregivers.
Analysis
Kinship settings are out-of-home placements in which care is provided by a relative or adult who has a significant
relationship with the foster child. Participants in the kinship stipend program receive an average of $300 per child per
month. According to the latest data available from the agency, the kinship program currently provides monthly stipends
for 3,592 youth.
Local Government Impact
None
3/13/25