If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes regarding kinship foster care stipends by establishing a structured increase in the monthly stipend provided to kinship foster care parents. Under the proposed changes, the Department of Child Safety (DCS) would be required to provide a stipend of $400 per month for each child placed with a kinship foster care parent starting January 1, 2026. This stipend would increase to $500 per month in 2027 and $600 per month in 2028, thereby ensuring that kinship foster care parents receive a more substantial financial support over the next few years.

The bill specifically inserts new language into section 8-514.03 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, detailing the amounts and effective dates of the stipend increases. The current law does not specify these amounts or the timeline for increases, thus the bill would provide clarity and a commitment to enhancing financial support for kinship foster care families. The existing provisions regarding kinship foster care remain unchanged, while the new stipulations would create a more supportive framework for caregivers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-514.03