Last updated: February 5, 2008

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  1. Purpose
  2. Authority for Placement
  3. Active Services Case
  4. Application
  5. Eligible Facilities
  6. Relative Caretakers
  7. Rates
  8. Age Limit
  9. Property Limit

1. Purpose

 The AFDC-Foster Care (AFDC-FC) Program provides cash and Medi-Cal benefits for providers of out-of-home care for children placed into foster care by Sacramento County Child Protective Services (CPS) or Probation Dept.

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2. Authority for Placement

 To qualify for benefits under AFDC-FC, the child in placement must be either:
  1. declared a Dependent child of the court under Welfare & Institutions Code section 300, or
  2. declared a Ward of the court under Welfare & Institutions Code section 600, or
  3. put into placement as a result of a Voluntary Placement Agreement between the parent and CPS, or
  4. be living with a non-related Legal Guardian. (temporary or permanent guardianship)

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3. Active Services Case

To qualify for benefits under AFDC-FC, there must be an active services case open for the child with either Child Protective Services (CPS) for children placed under the authority listed as items 1, 3 or 4 above, or with the Probation Department for children who are Wards of the court.

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4. Application

 Foster Care providers – the caretakers of a foster child – do not need to come to a Human Assistance office to apply for AFDC-FC benefits. The child’s Placement Worker (CPS Social Worker or Probation Officer) completes all appropriate application and change of payee paperwork on behalf of the foster child and their caretaker. Cash and Medi-Cal benefits will be provided upon their authorization.

Only non-related Legal Guardians who have established guardianship on their own through Probate Court need to apply directly to Human Assistance for benefits. Once Guardianship is established, they should call 875-4858 to initiate the application process.

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5. Eligible Facilities

AFDC-FC payments can be made to any of the following:

  • County-licensed Foster Family Homes (FFH)
  • A family home certified by a state-licensed Foster Family Agency (FFA)
  • A state-licensed Group Home
  • The approved home of a relative (federally eligible foster child only)
  • The approved home of a former relative (foster child’s parental rights terminated)
  • The approved home of a non-related Legal Guardian
  • The approved home of a Non-Related “Extended Family Member”
  • A state-licensed Small Family Home

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6. Relative Caretakers

In order for a related caretaker to receive AFDC-FC funds for the care of a child placed in their home, the following must occur:

  • The child must be determined to be eligible for federal AFDC-FC funding.
  • The relative must prove that they are related within the 5th degree of kinship.
  • The relative must complete a form stating whether they choose foster care or CalWORKs for cash aid.

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7. Rates
  • All rates are monthly
  • All rates are effective January 1, 2008
Basic Rate
Age Rate
(minimum payment made to Foster Family Homes, Relatives, Former Relatives, non-related Legal Guardians and State-licensed Small Family Homes)
0 — 4 $446
5 — 8 $485
9 — 11 $519
12 — 14 $573
15 — 18 $627

Clothing Allowances (not monthly)

Initial Clothing Allowance
Age Rate
0 — 6 $158
7 — 12 $216
13 — 18 $268
Annual Clothing Allowance
(paid in August)
Age Rate
0 — 18 $216

Specialized Care and Emergency Rates

The placement worker defines an “emergency” placement. It usually refers to placements made with little or no advance notice. Emergency rates range from $786 to $967 depending upon the age of the child.

Specialized Care is a program for foster children with special needs. The placement worker and the care provider evaluate the child’s needs in a standardized process. Specialized Care rates range up to from $1301 to $1497 depending upon the age and the specific needs of the child.

Foster Family Agency and Group Home Placements

(Rates for placements in these facilities are set by the California Department of Social Services).

Foster Family Agency treatment rates range from $1589 to $1865 depending upon the age of the child.

Group Home rates range from $1454 to $6371 depending upon the service level required for the child’s care.

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8. Age Limit

A foster child is eligible to receive AFDC-FC until age 18. If, at 18 the foster child is still in school and can be reasonably expected to graduate before their 19th birthday, AFDC-FC can continue to pay until they graduate.

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9. Property Limit

A foster child can retain up to $10,000 in funds that are available to them and remain eligible to receive AFDC-FC.

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If you have a foster child in your care and do not know who your eligibility worker is, call (916) 875-5770.

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