Lawsuit: Hawaiian DHS

“A lawsuit saying that Hawaii foster parents are underpaid is moving ahead despite a recent increase in state payments.

Foster families will receive a pay raise for the first time since 1990. The state was paying foster parents $529 per child per month. The new rate ranges from $575 to $676, depending on the child’s age. Foster families will receive their first increased payment in August.

Those behind the lawsuit said they still believe the payments aren’t enough, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser (http://ow.ly/zLdvv ) reported Wednesday. Attorneys are expected to move soon for class-action certification representing more than 1,000 Hawaii foster parents. A federal judge last week rejected a motion to dismiss the lawsuit against the state.

“It’s still woefully inadequate,” attorney Paul Alston said.

The way the state calculates payments fails to consider Hawaii’s high cost of living, Alston said.

“They were supposed to adjust it annually but never did,” he said. “With inflation, the rate should have nearly doubled by now.”

According to the state Department of Human Services, the new age-tiered system is indexed to documented costs contained in a federal annual report.

“The DHS staff also engaged research resources at the University of Hawaii to review national best practices around foster board payments structures and the costs of raising children in different regions,” said a statement released by the department.

State officials say there are other financial resources available to foster parents, including up to $570 a month for children with special needs. Families also receive an annual $600 clothing allowance and other benefits.”

Lawsuit by Hawaii foster parents claiming underpayment continues despite increases from state[Trib Town 7/30/14 by Associated Press]

REFORM Puzzle Piece