FL H1367

Establishes monthly foster care room and board rates effective July 1, 2018: $457.95 for ages 0-5, $469.68 for ages 6-12, and $549.74 for ages 13-21.

Requires annual cost of living increases each January based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Level I family foster homes receive a fixed rate of $333 monthly effective July 1, 2019, with no annual cost of living increases after January 1, 2020.

Community-based care lead agencies must pay a supplemental monthly payment equal to 10 percent of the room and board rate for children ages 13-17 in foster care for independent life skills and normalcy supports (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, expanded to levels II-V homes after July 1, 2019).

Caregivers required to place a child in an early education or child care program under statute 39.604 must receive up to $300 monthly to cover the difference between early learning coalition subsidies and full service costs, effective July 1, 2019.