AIDS orphans in Louisiana in the year 2000: the potential economic impact on the foster care system.

This study estimates the number of AIDS orphans in Louisiana and projects the fiscal demand on the state's foster care system in the year 2000. The Michaels and Levine model is used to estimate the number of orphans, and state foster care data are used to project the placement cost of those AIDS orphans. Between 1992 and the year 2000, the AIDS orphan count in Louisiana is estimated to range between 1,242 and 2,627 infants and children. Black children are estimated to comprise the overwhelming majority of this population. If only 50% of the AIDS orphans this study projects for the year 2000 require foster care services, the state of Louisiana would need additional revenues for that year alone, ranging from $308,112 to $624,546, to serve those new entrants. This study provides a critical starting point for state policy planning. The AIDS orphan population in Louisiana is growing each year and the needs of these infants and children must be anticipated and accommodated.