[WorkingOnAFullHouse]

We are on our way to finalization , our 30 day wait period will be over on Friday (Oct.3) and we are not overly concerned the bios are going to appeal. Here's my question.

The adoption worker (she's new)came out this past week for her monthly visit and we were talking about what is going to happen and then the adoption subsidy came up and then I got a little confused. She said that "normally" they never give you more than what you get for the board payment but you can negotiate higher if you wish and I told her that I don't want to act like it's for the money but obviously the more we get the better I can provide better. Well with 2 special needs children we spend more than the board payment each month on special milk, food, etc. She told us to write down what we will need per month and write down what we would use it for and she gave us examples (food, milk, diapers, therapy toys, clothes, respite care, travel expenses to doctor, etc). I wrote down what we basically use and it came out double the amount than what we get, have you heard of anyone getting more than their board payment? Will it look bad if we ask for more than our board payment? Who decides what we get? Thanks in advance!

[mommytoEli]

it doesn't hurt to ask. i know that in some states, in addition to the regular rate, you can also get specialized care increments. i don't think it will make you look bad to ask. i think the worst thing they would do is just say no.

[Happy123]

In our state, I think it is generous. For one child, their adoption payment is triple the FC rate and for the other 2 it is double. The one that tripled is due to him being part of the regional center...diagnosed MRDD. The other 2 receive more than the standard rate due to ADHD for the oldest and OCD/behaviors for the youngest. I love our adoption worker...she is very fair.
You can always request a reevaluation if the situation changes. That is what happened with two of them.
The increased payments allow me to stay at home (which they need) and to provide them with a comfortable environment. They are able, and so are we, to travel and to do many different activities. All the money I receive for them, really goes to them.
Their medications are not covered by the insurance, so we have high copays on the private insurance. The seven year old is still in pull ups, etc. It really adds up. I would just sit down and write out what you spend now and what you could see yourself spending in the future, such as counseling, tutoring, etc.
What bothers me is those people who get FC/AAP payments and you really wonder if it is going to the child. I had a "friend" who I know did not spend it on the kids.
Happy123

[WorkingOnAFullHouse]

Yeah, I have seen some people get their payment and not use it on the kids. It's sad. Our whole life revolves around our girls and it would help if we could get more than our board payment now which does help but clearly doesn't cover what we spend on them just for their basic needs. Who decides the amount you will receive? Is it the case worker, adoption worker, board of people? Our adoption worker never told us. You said to write down what we might need in the future. Can you give me examples? I know what we spend now but the future is where I get confused. If you want to talk privately you can email me at JohnAndJennB@bellsouth.net

[Happy123]

In the state of CA it is worked out between the adoption SW and the adoptive parents. After finalization, we had to go thru our adoption specialist worker. Each state is different though.
Future needs:
Counseling, dr visits, therapies (such as speech and OT) not covered by state insurance. Our dr office does not take the state insurance, so I wrote that down. Our speech therapist does not take state insurance either, plus it is 80 miles RT 2 times per week.
Eye wear if they need glasses.
Tutoring services if they need it.
Write down all behaviors that concern you. Some examples are lying, stealing, hoarding, Oppositional defient, extreme tantruming, sensitive to light, sound, clothing. Difficulting eating certain foods, allergies (both food and seasonal), any medications they are taking and will continue to take and how effective they are, any medical conditions, ie asthma or eczema, bonding/seperation issues, difficult transitioning activities, diagnosed mental/behavioral etc issue, such as OCD or ADHD, bi polar, etc. not potty trained and past average age, to name a few.

For example
Our oldest: Diagnosed ADHD, difficulty getting along with peers, more than average school/parent involvement.
Middle: Diagnosed MRDD. Now diagnosed with severe ADHD and impulsivity. Extra assistance given for respite care/excessive travel for medical appts. also.
Youngest: Clingy, tantruming, food/medical allergies, has regular medications, difficulty eating, sensitive to certain foods/clothing. OCD type behaviors, rigid, late talker, tested positive at birth for drugs,
Hope this helps,
Happy123

[Happy123]

I read back on some of your posts. If your state has a special needs rate, request it. With a shaken baby syndrome diagnosis, the long term issues are so unknown. If they are having food issues to, bring it up.
Hope this helps,
Happy123