[cindylouwho68]

Hi guys you may have read this on another board, but I'm throwing it all over, because I really need an answer that applies to me: In Southern Calif (LA County) does someone help with daycare costs for fost/adopt children in addition to the stipend?
Thanks! Cindy

[mckenna]

have you contacted your social worker? in mo, we call them homefinders, but i don't know what they are called in ca. in mo, you call the foster care dept, ask for a list of daycares that have contracts with the state, ie, will accept payment directly from the state, and then contact some and go and visit. in mo, dfs pays daycare directly to daycare facility, i am usually not even involved (unless the state lapses in payment, then i have to contact the kids sw)

[cindylouwho68]

Thank you! I'll ask her at our next MAPP class, I was just hoping to get the info before then.
Cindy

[jodyk]

In MI, too, the state pays the day care directly -- up to a certain amount per day. If the day care charges more than that, it's the parents' responsibility.

I think day care was the first thing I asked about when deciding if I should/could foster; I really wanted to do it, but if they didn't pay for day care, there's no way I'd be able to.

[HappyMomAnna]

I don't know for sure about California. In Oregon the state would like to see children over 3-or-4 attend Head Start or another 'school' situation. Head start is paid (free) the other school situations are not covered by the subsidies. The only want the child to attend min. school in order to develop social skills and prefer that there is one stay home parent.

In Oregon they will not place a child under the age of three in Foster or pre-adoptive homes unless one parent is a stay at home parent. They feel the attachment process will be delayed for toddlers who are sent to day care.