[rindava]

some do a daily rate others it is just a flat rate---many states have different rates according to county, etc.... Many private foster care providers also pay different rates then public foster care (here public TAFY rate is like $1100 per month, but most private theraputic rates are around $700 and like a christian based private infant foster care agencie here only pays $200 per month but basic foster care is $290 something for children under 5.

Also, the therapy requirment is also different in each state----once the adoption is final and all time limits for appeals are up, the child is yours and you can make all medical decisions.

$2000 is a bit much to use the homestudy out of state, but NC has a lot of kids and you will probably get a placement in-state.

A word of warning any therapist who does not want you actively involved in treatment for your child is not a good therapist for a kid who has been in foster care. You need to bond with that child and most likely that child will need attachment therapy. You will needs more of a family therapy then just play therapy.

However, if you are just foster parenting the majority of the therapy focus will most likely be on how what ever happend in b-home hurt the kid and how they are dealing with it.......so, you will not be as much as a part of therapy as with a child placed with you for adoption.

Any kid over 3 in foster care should be in therapy because it is often the only thing that gives them a voice in court (the documentation generated by therapy really helps in some kid's situations.)

If you have that really bad feeling in your gut already, you may want to pick up your toys and go home so to speak. Find an agency you are comfortable with--- they can become a big part of your life for up to a year in a half or longer in foster to adopt situations. If you are having problems now, they could get much worse.