Federal Administration For Children & Families Recommends States Stop Charging Families For Foster Care Fees

On June 8, 2022, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued new guidance to state and county child welfare officials that will allow them, if they choose, to stop sending child support bills to parents for the costs of foster care. ACF’s new position is that states should stop charging parents, especially low-income parents, and find innovative ways to support families.

All states currently charge parents for the cost of foster care because previous ACF policy required title IV-E agencies to “where appropriate” take “all . . .