I thought I'd go ahead an post this info for a number of reasons:
A) I don't want people to rule out indy adoption for fear of being unable to take advantage of this benefit;
B) There are a lot of reputable organizations that don't yet have a handle on this issue - the NMFA comes to mind - they even told me it wasn't allowed so they couldn't help me advocate for myself; and
C) It's becoming harder and harder to use some of the benefits we're entitled to due to pressure to keep up with mission-critical expenses and I just don't think that's right. The first thing someone will tell you is no, not let me see what I can do.
When we were initially denied I was really pissed - not only because I KNEW we qualified but b/c we never even received a notice! If I hadn't called, I'd never have known we were denied. Not only that, but the JAG attorney said something like, well, you were denied b/c facilitators aren't agencies (it was a clearly boilerplate letter so I can imagine how many families have received it and given up) but it never occurred to her to consider us under the other provision, the one we DID fit?
I had to get the JAG attorney to fax me a copy of the letter they supposedly sent and even then it didn't help me understand what I needed to provide to fix things. I basically had to explain to the JAG attorney under what rationale we qualified and then say, OK, if we provide X documentation (literally, one page), will that work? You know how it is, you have to do your part and their part too.
So frustrating.
So if even one person is spared that two month hassle - I've done my part! TY and GN.
