To ensure that foster children receive the necessary support, ongoing benefits are provided in the form of lump-sum payments to cover the costs of living expenses as well as care and upbringing.

The foster care allowance is divided into three tiers based on the foster child’s age. The first tier covers ages 0 to under 6, the second from 6 to under 12, and the third from 12 to 18. The lump sum consists of the amount for the child’s living expenses and the amount for the costs of upbringing. The costs of upbringing refer to a recognition payment to the foster parents for their special educational efforts. The foster care allowance is paid monthly to the foster parents by the Youth Welfare Office. For particularly difficult, disabled, or behaviorally challenged children, additional benefits may be agreed upon with the Youth Welfare Office on a case-by-case basis.

The foster care allowance is a regular monthly lump-sum payment. In addition, one-time grants and subsidies may be awarded, particularly for a foster child’s initial furnishings, for important personal occasions such as a First Communion or Confirmation, and for the foster child’s vacation and holiday trips.