[Mommieswe]

I have expressed my concerns regarding my situation deep into another thread - but want to put it out there for the group as I am sure this is not a new issue in fostering.

I am a biological mother of two and my partner and I are working to become certified as foster parents. I am the driving factor for this (although there is full family support) - as I feel it is my path. I have the heart and desire....I just don't have the large home and funds to quit work and be a stay at home mom....

Based on the size of my home and the fact that my daughters are with me 50% of the time - I am only eligible to foster infants at this time. Initially - I was going to wait until I had a larger home - but as time passed and my passion to help kept raging - I determined now was the time. Upon contacting my foster agency - I was told that it was expected that one of us would be an at home parent so the infant would have consistent care and wouldn't be in childcare all day. Although I fully understand this (as I wish I did have the option to be home with the kids), I find it frustrating that my desire is so great and the roadblocks are so many. The only compromise the agency and I could reach is getting a nanny 5 days a week while I am at work. Sounds good right? Well - we are looking at $1600/mth for a nanny who has a drivers license, insurance, transportation and speaks English.
This is an increase of $1000 a month on my current childcare costs.

My overall question is this - does anyone know of any grants, "scholarships" or wealthy people that want to help me help the kids??? - I have done some searches online and have come up empty handed. - Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!

Just wanting to help....

[KaaNai1]

The social worker should be working with you to get adequate childcare. I live in New York, and although I haven't been licensed yet, it has been my understanding that a childcare provider (which could be a nanny or another family member or a childcare center) should be paid for by the state. You might have difficulty finding a childcare provider to come to your home for the amount of money that the state is willing to pay, but getting a nanny is supposed to be an option. IF you are willing to supplement the amount the state pays with money for your additional biological children's care, you should be able to work it out.

[Mommieswe]

I appreciate your feedback and will certainly look into that.
Thank you for your response!

[jeany]

just wanted to add that i am about to go back to work on monday after 7 weeks off . i am fost/adopting an infant and the state of new jersey will be paying 148.00 a week assistance for his daycare. so i wonder about the social workers information.

[jodyk]

You might also try checking with other agencies to see if they have similar policies. My agency does NOT require foster parents of young children to be at home all day, and the state pays for (or at least mostly for) day care. I got my fs at 7mo, (he's 2 1/2 now) and he's been in day care since the 5th day I had him. I know he loves me, but he also loves day care, his teachers, friends, and all the activities. On weekends, he inevitably asks if he's going there & is often disappointed when I say it's not open on weekends.