[SHAMROX]

With my first foster child, I got reimbursed for mileage to daycare, doctor appointments, visits, etc. After she went home, a social worker told me that they no longer reimbursed foster parents for mileage, only for special things like court, etc.

I've had my foster son for 3 years now. The other day another foster parent from my county is talking about her mileage reimbursement - for normal things like daycare, therapy, doctor appointments, etc. I about have a heart attack. So today I confirmed it with a social worker I know in a different area - we are to be reimbursed mileage!

I wrote the social worker's supervisor and asked what we can do about this. It's almost $3000 in retro reimbursement that is due to me. I think it's only fair. It's 3 YEARS worth.

I know I have asked the social worker many times about mileage, and she's always told me it's only for "special" things. I can't imagine how they couldn't pay it; its state-wide (WA). I also can't imagine why she would think I wouldn't want to be reimbursed for it, since I've asked about it a number of times.

I even have an email from her where I ask "Can I be nosy and ask why the mother gets reimbursed for mileage to visit her own son but foster parents don't get reimbursed for their mileage for everyday things?".

You guys have any suggestions? Anyone else from WA state?

[timleenettesue]

Have you heard from the supervisor? I'm in MI and we only get milage for special things, like out of town doctor appt. But if your agency offers it than your worker should have let you know.

[teachbear]

In GA we get millage reinbursment for doctor's appointments, therapy, visits with birth family and court. We can also get reinbursed parking garage fees for dr.'s appt. or test/procedures at the hospital.

I have learned to ask the person that writes the checks, fincial department what is covered and not covered for reinbursment. Although the case manager has to approve the reinbursments.

With "prior approval" they will reinburse for car seats (no limit), bicycle helmets, up to $300 a year for sports, dance, etc..

We can be reinbursed up to $50 a month by the county for diapers/pull ups, each child gets $200 for initial clothing first 6 months in care, $100 from county until they are eligible or annual clothing allowence. The daily per diem rate for an under 5 child is $14.60 and they pay for most of day care.

[Withay]

I'm pm'ing you a link that can help when talking with the cw regarding what is reimbursable.

[Robbiesmomma]

I'm in WA and I submit all of my mileage that is for my FC. If I wouldn't have gone if it weren't for the FC, then why wouldn't I be reimbursed? I am through the state, not an agency. I would call your CW's supervisor and ask, or the finacial folks for your region. They should be able to clear it up and set your worker straight.
HTH

[SHAMROX]

Thank you everyone. I did write the supervisor an email and she hasn't gotten back to me. I think I will email her again, because now I have some information to back up that I am entitled to this reimbursement...we'll see if this works! Im also going to call her number to see if she's out; otherwise their general rule is to return the call w/in 24 hours : )

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

We were told during class that mileage was covered. We have to file two though (one for visits, etc and another for anything for Medicaid like dr. or therapy). We were showed the form and told how to use it, given an example form filled out, and were sent an update last year telling us to be sure to use exact addresses and the RandMcNally mileage.

You should have been told all this in the same detail. Why the CW tried to tell you it was not reimbursable when in fact it was is beyond me. I would ask why I was misled and if a good answer was not given, I would not work with that caseworker again.

Kim

[Sam-N-Tony]

In FL, we get reimbursed only for things like Dr. appt., visitations, court, etc., not daycare or school, trips, anything that is not required by court.

[micmari]

Shamrox,
I also foster in WA and do get mileage reimbursement for transporting FC to medical appointments and visits, going to court hearings and team planning mtgs, etc. Hope you can get this cleared up. You should get reimbursed.