Connecticut Foster Parents Struggle, Bill Offers Relief

0:00It's April 21st. This is Hartford News today, your AI-powered local news. Foster parents in Connecticut are hitting a wall trying to make ends meet. The state's reimbursement rates haven't budged in 20 years and lag way behind neighboring states. Folks like James Higgins, who's fostered over 28 kids and adopted five, say families are dipping into savings or racking up credit card debt, just to cover rising costs for the children in their care. On top of that, stipends often arrive late and there's a shortage of parents ready for kids with complex needs like trauma or developmental issues. This leaves the system strained with only 2,137 licensed homes available. When family can't step up, children end up bounced around or in group homes as a last resort. Advocates and parents are speaking out about the toll it takes. Financial stress plus emotional demands make many questions if they can keep going. Just like Sarah Egan from the Center for Children's Advocacy points a high-case work return over in service gaps which hurt kids stability and mental health federal audit

1:05show only 41% of those needs are met. Mom makers are pushing back with House Bill 5,000-4, including $4 million extra for reimbursements. That could bump stipends from $10,000 to $12,000 a year up by $2,000 to $3,000 per family. The bill also sets up funds for quicker emergency payments, enrichment activities like sports or music lessons and childcare support plus mentorship for new foster parents. Meanwhile, DCF notes national workforce shortages and kids arriving with tougher issues from altism to severe trauma, calling for more diverse foster homes. With these reforms in play, there's hope for better recruitment and retention to give these kids the steady homes they deserve.