[aprilrosanna01]

I am not adopting a foster child but I have a friend who just adopted 5 all at once.
4 are a sibling group ranging in age 1 to 8. And the other is
3. My question is she is telling me how expensive it is raising a big family and she receives no assitance. I am sure it is tough and very expensive but shouldn't she be receiving some type of benefits through the state since she adopted through foster care. Doesn't she receive asstistance for each child a month. And don't you get a tax credit of 10,000? Is that per child or group? Not even sure how that works. Is that a check you get or what? I don't mind helping her but I don't want to be used. Also would the kids receive SSI and medicaid. Some info would be greatly appreciated. Maybe she isn't aware but I would think she should know. Also one more thing. She changed all of their first names. Does a lot of people do that. I would think that would be hard on a child that has had the same name for 8 years. Just wanted some thoughts. Thank-you

[jackiesbooks]

Alot depends on your state. She probably is not receiving anything for the 3 yr old. But in most states, sibling groups will receive monthly financal support plus medicaid.

They are lots of post and debate about changing names. Some people do and some do not. Reasons for include safety of the child.

[aprilrosanna01]

We live in Florida.

Never thought about changing name for safety of child. Maybe that is way she did. Thx for info

[Mkuhlmann06]

Prior to the adoption an adoption subsidiy is discussed and determined/approved. If she didn't request it or one wasn't offered, and they have been formally adopted, then she won't ever get any assistance or subsidy. Im in PA and of course it may differ state to state, but we were clearly advised during our classes to make sure this is discussed prior to legalizing the aodption. The subsidy not a guarantee - its usually for those kids determined to have special needs (I would imagine a sib group of 4 qualifies for that!!). The 3 yr old may be a different story.

The tax credit is per child and can be spread out over 3 or 5 years. Its not a check... its like a deduction on your taxes and would reduce how much you owe the government and would increase your return.

As for the name situation, it all depends -- there are a number of reasons to change it and not to.

[BrandyHagz]

But it CAN be guaranted - it really depends on the state. In Illinois (and a few other states) the board payments continue, even after the adoption, without negotiation or fight - its not even discussed...everything just continues as it had been.

The best way to get the questions answered is to talk to someone in your state who fosters and has adopted or call the Foster Care office in your state and ask.