[Mama_K]

How do we know how much we should receive- M is a special needs child with many on going tests. At this time we don't know the severity of his special needs. Is there a starting point we need to know about- We're not in it for the money but anything would help us care for him. I know we start out with the foster care rate for the state (Wi) and from there I'm lost. Any Advice-

[crick]

Since every state is different I really don't know. If you pm Zebramom she might have some insight as she is from WI too. You might also cross post this in the fostercare to adoption forum for more replies.

[mommytoEli]

sometimes on a state website it will list the basic structure, and then list the severity increments. that might give you *some* idea. i agree....zebramom is in "the know."

it also seems to me that if no one knows the severity of his needs, someone should get on the ball about figuring those out. hopefully they have helped you in setting up some appointments? (please say yes.

are you adopting him? if so, i'm pretty sure every state has full disclosure laws which means they need to figure out what is wrong, and then tell you everything they know, before you sign adoption placement papers. that may help, too.

sometimes dx get missed in the initial stages as well, so know that speciality foster rates and aap are negotiable if the new dx warrants it. it is always worth it to ask if something comes up.

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

The max you can get in WI is $2000/month. That would be for the most severe needs level, so the amount a child qualifies for can be less than that, but never more. Being "at risk" for developing special needs can qualify a child for adoption assistance, and the amount can be increased if the special needs of the child increases.