[WVmichael]

I am posting to inquiry, if others have had these issues.
I am 39yr old retired military man.
I attempted to go through the WV DHHR system to acquire the paperwork, information and requirements in order to become a foster parent. When they asked me how much Income I earn in my pension, I was refused the paperwork. Because I earn TOO MUCH MONEY????? When I inquired as to what does that have to do with it. That it just means the Long Term Foster Child would have a Nice Bank Account for College when the time comes as well as being able to attend Private Schooling.
I was informed by the WV DHHR office locally as well as in Charleston, that they perfer to place child in homes that need financial support????? So the child are automatic approved for SSI and Medicare Assistant Homes! Now, do tell me, how does this benefit the child???? One crazy mess. Have others gone through the same thing?
I was informed, that it is best to go through a Private Foster Care Agency, as they would get the ball rolling. Any suggestions of a Private Foster Care Agency???? All answers and suggestions would be strongly welcomed!
THANKS!!!!
MICHAEL

[roxanna425]

that's really strange. you might want to check your understanding again. foster care homes are supposed to be financially stable. this is so that the child's stipend is not used for family support. it is for the child's needs.

ssi and medicare are calculated through the child HOME OF ORIGIN. so, in fact your income is not taken into account when assessing benefits for the child. if they would have been eligible for them at home they are eligible in your home. foster children are also automatically eligible for medicare unless they are covered by one of their parents insurance and in that case it covers them wherever they live. in fact if you take a foster child to the hospital you are not supposed to give your financial information since the state is the guardian their medical coupons are presented and the social worker is called.

this is so that 1. foster children are not taken in for financial gain. and 2 so that foster children are not a financial burden (as many foster children have serious health issues) on the foster family.

please check again.

[WVmichael]

Dear Roxanne:
NO, I AM NOT mis-taken.
The individuals informed me right up front, when I informed them of the amount of my US Government Pension, Personal IRA, Bonds and the value of my home certified cost to replace at $365,000.00 (which in my area, homes go for $20,000.00 and I had my home specially designed and built and have the deed, NO DEBT, FREE AND CLEAR!!!!
The Homefinder immediately informed me that I would not qualify for Fostering a Child because I had too much income and assets and as such, they would not give me the application. I even contact the State Office in Charleston WV and was also told the very same thing, that I had no need for the funds and that they prefer individuals whom have a need.
What makes me so upset, there is a home, 4 rooms ONLY!!!! One Bedroom and two gay married men (They went and got married when all that was going on this pass spring) and they are approved and have 4 male children in such a small place. Neither work, nor have an income. They live off the money of the children. So, IT IS TRUE!
Even Senator Rockefeller, I spoke to him, and he was shocked and even confirmed this practice is going on in our state. But, sadly, informed me that it will take about 1 to 2 years to change such rulings with the WV DHHR.
I was further informed by him, that if I was able to locate a PRIVATE AGENCY, that handles foster children, go through their training programs, etc... then the state would accept it. But, at this time, the state will only pay for such trainings for individuals whom are needy and require the additional income.
So, with all of these statements, I do not think I mis-heard/read the letters or anything.
It is just so sad, that our children are now being put through a 3rd world treatment!!!!

[L-A-J-C-R-C]

Wow, that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! I can tell you that we live in Ashland, KY and that definitely is not how things work here!

I'm sorry you are going through this and wish you were mistaken, however, you sound like you've researched it thoroughly.

Best of luck.

Michelle

[kamz7]

Oh my goodness...talk about idiotic! That is so counter-intuitive to have a system set up that way. That is defnitely inviting failure in the system. I hope you can get involved in the fight in your state to change the way they operate.
You had asked about private agencies.....my husband and I just recently completed our licensing with Catholic Charities and have had a very positive experience with them. Good luck!

[WVmichael]

Thank You Kamz7 for your post reply.
By chance, do you have the email address or else the website of the Chatholic Charity site you went through?
I am Catholic, but since reading your post have not been able to local a Catholic Charity Office that understands nor knows if a WV Catholic Charity office is involved with WV Children.
I was hoping, that maybe your people would be able to help and point me in the right direction.
But, then again, with my Luck and the changes that have taken place in our State, I will most likely find out that WV has Forbidden Catholic Charities to perform such actions, ha ha ha
Nothing surprises me anymore, so I just take things as they come and pray, that at least our Lord knows, I am trying and for him to get on this also and help me
THANKS!!!!

[kamz7]

You might try this site: http://www.catholiccharitiesinfo.org/ and then use any contact information you can find to get started on finding someone who can help you...good luck!

[jolean12]

That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. They should be thankful that someone who has the ability to care for these children and get them everything they need is willing to do so. I am in GA and we are also not allowed to use the children's stipend to live off of. We are required to show proof that we are able to financially take care of ourselves before we are even approved......obviously that is not a problem for you.

I am so sorry for your dilema, for you and the children that could be in a loving home. If I can find any private agencies in your area I will certainly let you know.