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The base rate here in California is just over $400. When we found out *A* had Epilepsy & FAS and started having to attend regular Neurologist visits over an hour and a half away as well as twice weekly visits in our home that we make time for so she can receive Regional Center services, we decided to ask for the special care increment based on her needs. At first we were approved, we signed the papers, sent them back to the CW and then got a phone call from the eligibility department saying sorry they couldn't approve her because we're through an FFA and they already pay the FFA significantly more so the County can not allow any more for us who are actually the ones caring for this child and her needs. (We do get slightly more as a base rate for being with an FFA, but it's still considerably short in comparison to the amount of expenses related to her needs.)
The FFA says they can't increase our rate because they are "non profit" and have to pay their staff out of the extra they get from the County so there are no funds left over to help with the special needs care & expenses. What's up with this???
Apparently if the Regional Center bumped her up to a level 2 or whatever then she would be eligible for their rate, but they refuse to do that until she's 3 years old and they re-assess her at that time.
I just don't get it, it's not like the Epilepsy & FAS are going to miraculously go away. They are life long conditions that may be able to be controlled to some extent with medication, but what about all the doctors visits, gas expenses, therapeutic toys etc. that she needs now!???
Just my little vent while we're on the topic.
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