[hopetobedad]

I am a foster dad from new hampshire in the process of adopting 2 little ones and was wondering if anyone could give me the ins and outs of subsidy and what i should request/demand or should I just take what they offer?

Any help would be appreciated

[missw005]

Dad,
Check out the New Hampshire foster parents' organization, they should be able to help. Also see the NACAC website, which I think I can post, and go to your state for basic info and people to contact:
NACAC | North American Council on Adoptable Children

As for accepting/demanding subsidy, it depends on the kids' current needs and your estimation of their future needs. Any medical issues? Make sure as much as possible is covered - plus more for future use, as in $$ for camps when they get older, other treatments (mental health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) if they're not covered, respite care if their developmental/behavioral/other issues can become (note I said CAN, even if they're not now) more difficult as they get older.

Some states are really good about letting you re-negotiate subsidy when the kids get older if they develop more issues, some states are NOT. Ask for as much as you can now - depending on your kids' issues - because once you finalize and sign the subsidy agreement, it's often very difficult to get more later.
If it's too much? Sock it away for camps, extra-curriculars (karate, art lessons, etc.) or college.

I have it both ways with my sons - I adopted them from different states - and thank God my child with more issues has not only great medical coverage, but have re-negotiated his subsidy when his behavioral issues became a lot worse a lot earlier than we all imagined. My youngest one's state could care less, I struggled for almost 2 years trying to get them to cover his medical costs (which included hospitalizations). Luckily his needs are quite a bit lower than my older son's.

Sorry this is so wordy! Hope it helps, though.

Sandy

PS - You might also want to post your ? on the foster care or special needs adoption boards for more info.

[kimmom]

Wow, thanks Sandy! I didnt realize that it wasnt standard and then extra $ for the lessons and additional help that they needed. How naive am I?

[joskids]

We ALL start out "naive". This is definitely a huge learning curve. You'll get there. This board is a very good place to be. The system will take advantage of you if you let it. Be wise.

[hopetobedad]

I just got off the phone with the permenancy worker and she said it is not for extras like camp/dance but only to relieve some of the financial burden of the children. That these are extras and not neccessity?
They can put in for a higher amount but they will probably turn down the offer. I explained about circumstances that I think there will be a need for but they said in the future you can try to renegotate then.