[Krispy]

We live in Oregon and are going to committee on Monday. Oregon just changed their payouts. Our worker asked us yesterday about what we were looking for. I didn't know how to answer. We did all the help we can get. How do we show we need the help? I hope this makes sense.
Thanks

[sassafras]

Do you know any other adoptive parents you could ask what they get? I had a friend tell me what she got and I so would've short changed myself. Subsidy is for th kids needs. For example one of my son's had a bad temper and ADD. We needed money to replace thing he would love, replace anything destroyed. You would need to know the special needs of the child.

[Linny]

When you say you're going to committee...I'm guessing you're being considered for specific child/ren, right? If so, I'd just be completely honest. Your caseworker should have some sort of idea of your financial situation because (at least in my state) they had to have copies of our tax returns, etc.

If you're worried about the stipend.....that's one thing....but in some states, you can also ask for continued SPECIFIC health care/services---or so I"m told. I have one acquaintance who specifically asked for the state to pay for her son's residential treatment IN CASE he'd have to have it. His issues are quite involved and residential would not be out of the question in later years. I know of someone else who specifically asked for braces for their child's teeth because the child had had such problems as a very young child. I'm told their state would grant that under those circumstances.

I have no idea what issues your child may present at this time, but I would suggest you make sure to consider the worst possible scenario in terms of counseling and services. That's not to be discouraging; but to say if you believe those services might be needed in the future...best to specify all you can in any contractual agreement with the post-adoptive papers. Once the adoption is finalized, getting those services is almost non-existent and too often, the system chooses to ignore anything you might need.

I hope this helps in some way...

Sincerely,

Linny