How much financial assistance do you get when you become a foster parent?

I'm interested in becoming a foster parent but I'm not sure if I can afford it? I would love to mentor a child or just provide a safe loving environment but I'm concerned that I will not be able to afford it, so I'm curious as to how much financial assistance does the goverment provide if any? Serious answers only please...

There is a difference between mentoring and foster care, mentoring is like volunteering, you spend a few hours a week helping a child, you are in control of how much you time and effort you can give.

Fostering is more complicated and you need to fill out applications, be certified, insured, follow the laws, be available in a short notice to receive a child or to return a child, etc.
If your primary concern is trying to afford being a foster parent, then you might try to be a mentor to get your feet wet first. Most children in foster care are older and with behavioral issues you may not be capable of coping with, providing love is not the answer, it will eventually wear off leaving you tired and frustrated if the child keeps acting up against your best intentions. It is a job for which you need to train for the worst so you don't get burned out, just like being a real parent except the child will never be yours.

This is not to discourage anyone from being a foster parent just to let you know it is not easy and the money will never cover your efforts. It is a public service position where the rewards are short lived but a very noble and needed task.

It honestly depends on your city/county. Each one has different financial assistance programs. Check with your closest DSS and see what they say.

I don't know the answer but in my opinion, they don't offer nearly enough. I mean, I'm not saying people should profit off of this, but raising a child is expensive. And they should really provide you with a good cushion or give a good tax break if you can open your doors to a foster child. Sorry, but I don't have the answer, just wanted to say that you're a good person for even considering.