OLYMPIA -- Washington state reimburses some of its foster families double the amount recommended in a controversial study on foster care pay rates across the country, according the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

"Washington state truly values the work and care provided by foster care parents," said Cheryl Stephani, assistant secretary for DSHS Children's Administration. "Our goal is to not only provide adequate reimbursement, but also to support foster parents – and foster children – with services and other resources. The recent foster care study defines 'basic rate' differently than our state and does not consider additional reimbursement for Washington foster parents."

When other services and payments we provide are totaled, Washington state reimburses foster care costs for 16-year-olds – including health care costs – at $1,628.17 per month. That's nearly double the reimbursement recommended in the study of $826. Additional costs include respite care to relieve foster parents, property damage reimbursements, school and sports activity fees, summer camps, musical instruments and lessons as well as other incidentals.

Foster parents are also reimbursed for child care and travel for family visitations and other activities such as medical appointments.

"There is always more we can do to support the demanding jobs our foster parents do and we will continue to look for ways to do that," Stephani said. "But we are clearly doing much better than what was recommended in the study."

Washington foster parents this year received rate increase of 7 percent. Rates were increased 1 percent in 2006 and 2007.