Court Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking Higher Foster Care Payments

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by advocates for Ohio children cared for by adult relatives seeking higher payments from the state. At issue are people who take custody of children they’re related to but who aren't licensed foster parents. A long-time gap exists in Ohio between payments to nonlicensed relatives and to licensed foster care parents, who typically receive much higher amounts. Ohio has been under pressure from child advocates to follow a 2017 court ruling ordering equality in such payments. A judge this week dismissed the lawsuit, saying the advocates didn't have a claim under federal law.