The rates for DFPS foster care maintenance payments are determined by the child’s service level or by the selected service package if the placement is under the Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) system. The rates may be adjusted based on the extent to which other services provided by outside parties meet the child’s needs or on other factors consistent with the child’s needs.

In the rate structure, rates are based on analysis of cost reports and other pertinent financial and statistical information. DFPS determines a child’s service level based on the child’s characteristics and the descriptions of service levels. The Health and Human Services Commission approves the rates for foster care payments.