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SB 1490

kinship foster care stipend; increase

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Lela Alston and 2 co-sponsors

SB 1490 increases monthly stipends paid to kinship caregivers in Arizona's foster care system to better cover children's living expenses and support relative guardianship placements.

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Bill Summary · SB 1490

Legislative bill overview

SB 1490 increases the monthly stipend provided to kinship caregivers—relatives who care for children removed from parental custody—in Arizona's foster care system. The bill aims to better compensate these caregivers for the costs of housing, food, clothing, and other necessities for the children in their care.

Why is this important

Kinship caregivers, typically grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives, provide essential stability for vulnerable children while reducing pressure on the state's already strained foster care system. Current stipend levels often fall below actual costs of care, leaving many kinship families in financial hardship and potentially discouraging relatives from stepping forward to care for children in need.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Increasing stipends requires state budget allocation; legislators may debate whether current funding priorities should be redirected or new revenue identified
  • Scope of increases: Disagreement over how much stipends should increase and whether all kinship placements should receive equal raises
  • Implementation timeline: Questions about when new rates take effect and whether retroactive payments are included for current caregivers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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