[loverealbig]

My husband and I have 3 bio kids and are in the middle of GPS classes to be licensed to be foster parents in our county. Our caseworker told us that we should be approved and ready for kids around May. We are all so excited!

We have had 4 classes and they are very informative. We have had our paper work done, finger printing ect. We are really learning a lot. But what we haven't learned is any information on how the room and board is taken care of. Our finances are fine to cover extra kids but I would need the daycare taking care of. I don't have any idea about any of the reimbursements or monthly room and boards. I am guessing that all counties/states are different so no one could tell me exactly. Our county has had so many financial cuts and job losses due to low funding, I am curious how that affects the foster system.

Can anyone give me any info on this?! Thanks.

[SoccerMom70]

I dont know how it works for others but here the state pays X amount of dollars per day. Every 2 weeks we call an automated phone system and report the number of days we've had our FS (nephew). The state direct deposits the funds into our bank account every 2 weeks. That money is to cover room/board/clothing/transportation/toiletries/school supplies and anything else he may need. My FS is a teenager so I cant offer any advice on the childcare part.

[filswife]

I think it depends on where you live. My state does NOT provide for daycare costs any longer (as of last year). They do not give any "extras" due to major budget cuts.

[Doggymom]

It depends on where you live. In Cali a child 0-5 gets 621. a month. My agency increases that to 700. I don't know about daycare stipends. I stay at home. Good luck. If its a major issue you may want to request school aged kids.

[ImpactingLives]

My state also does not assist with daycare. Foster kids do qualify for head start or public preschool if they are 3yo (or older) and there is space available.

We get $23.01/day and WIC. No mileage reimbursement, clothing allowance only if it's the 1st time in care and the supervisor approves it.

I'm also a SAHM, I worked when we 1st started doing foster care, but my employer didn't like me constantly taking time off for visits and doctors appointments so they let me go.

[WestCoastHappy]

Our state also does not pay for daycare, my husband and I both work and will have to foot that bill ourselves. You should be able to find out what the dollar amount your state/county provide. Ours was buried a bit within the DHS website but I eventually found it.

[takeuwithme96]

Actually, I did just find this out today, from our state. However, it is probably different depending on the state you are in. In Illinois, you get daycare paid for (while fostering) as long as the daycare accepts the age of the child and accepts DCFS funding.

Also, they pay (fostering and adopting) 400/month for non-special needs children, and 1100/month for special needs children. Your best bet is to call the State Licensing Supervisor from their website. I went with Children's Home & Aid. Their website is Home - Children’s Home + Aid. Good luck!

Originally Posted by loverealbig

My husband and I have 3 bio kids and are in the middle of GPS classes to be licensed to be foster parents in our county. Our caseworker told us that we should be approved and ready for kids around May. We are all so excited!

We have had 4 classes and they are very informative. We have had our paper work done, finger printing ect. We are really learning a lot. But what we haven't learned is any information on how the room and board is taken care of. Our finances are fine to cover extra kids but I would need the daycare taking care of. I don't have any idea about any of the reimbursements or monthly room and boards. I am guessing that all counties/states are different so no one could tell me exactly. Our county has had so many financial cuts and job losses due to low funding, I am curious how that affects the foster system.

Can anyone give me any info on this?! Thanks.

[takeuwithme96]

What state is that? California?

Originally Posted by WestCoastHappy

Our state also does not pay for daycare, my husband and I both work and will have to foot that bill ourselves. You should be able to find out what the dollar amount your state/county provide. Ours was buried a bit within the DHS website but I eventually found it.

[takeuwithme96]

Well I heard that they do not assist with daycare if you are a stay at home mom. What state do you live in? Well our state doesn't pay $23/day. $400/mo for non-special needs and $1100/mo for special needs. Is your foster child a special needs child? I'm sorry to hear your employer let you go.

Originally Posted by ImpactingLives

My state also does not assist with daycare. Foster kids do qualify for head start or public preschool if they are 3yo (or older) and there is space available.

We get $23.01/day and WIC. No mileage reimbursement, clothing allowance only if it's the 1st time in care and the supervisor approves it.

I'm also a SAHM, I worked when we 1st started doing foster care, but my employer didn't like me constantly taking time off for visits and doctors appointments so they let me go.

[takeuwithme96]

Wow we have budget cuts too, what state do you live in? Our state does provide day care, so far.

Originally Posted by filswife

I think it depends on where you live. My state does NOT provide for daycare costs any longer (as of last year). They do not give any "extras" due to major budget cuts.