[NewMamaLotsaLove]

We picked up our first placement on Wednesday, a beautiful four day old baby girl. I'd like to sign her up for WIC, but I'm concerned about putting my address and personal information down. If she goes back to mom, will they give that information to mom when she goes to WIC to access the benefits? Should I put DFS information down instead? Any ideas?

[GoddessDanu]

I never thought about that. I put all my personal information down, in case they needed to call me or mail me something. I don't think they would give out an address or anything like that to the bioparents. They're a federal program and I'm sure they have confidentiality rules as well.

[ScrapMonkey]

We have to show proof of address every 6 months so I don't think they'd sign you up for WIC if you refused to share the info. Call and ask how they ensure your privacy. It's a good question!! And I highly recommend WIC for formula!! Saves you about $150 a month on that alone!

[shaslove]

I think they would have to keep it private, theoretically? But I would call and ask!

[Mummy_Big_Bird]

In Ma, you need to bring a letter from the social worker, stating that the child is in foster care, and that you are the FP. I give them the DCF address and my cell phone number. When there is a RU, WIC just changes the account to the parents information.

[naca]

Here they use the address that medicaid pulls (which is normally DCS's address) and my cell #. I would definitely make a point to remind them that your information is confidential.

[irelady10]

Congrats on your placement! Newborns are precious.

I don't even remember giving my address when I signed my baby up for WIC...in my state, its not written on your packet, although I'm guessing its in the computer somewhere. My point being, its not written anywhere the bios could see if the child is reunified.

[reesegayla]

We have to show proof of residency on a regular basis so we had to give our personal info as well. But I know at my office they are very careful about confidentiality because when I asked questions about my fs being signed up before, the only info that they gave me was a first name.

[kxl164]

I put DSS's info for the address and phone number and everything. They did have my name, but that was it. I just brought the placement agreement with me and their Medicaid cards, they asked me to fill out the paperwork and I filled it in with all the DSS info, then just shrugged and said OK.

After the adoption and name changes we changed everything, including WIC ID numbers and only then did I put my info on there.

[myForeverkids3]

That info should be confidential. Maybe you could ask them at WIC to put a note on the file or something? You should definately do WIC. It will save you hundreds of dollars. In IL they had a particular person who handled the foster care cases. Just tell them your concern, I'm sure there is a way around it.