[MinaL]

I recently babysat for a foster parent while she went on a business trip (I am over 18 and the caseworker was aware, and met with me.) She has since severely shorted me on my pay (by one half), with the excuse that her foster parent stipend wasn't enough to pay me the previously agreed-upon amount. She apparently doesn't intend to pay me the other half next month either.

Firstly, since she has had the children for 3 months, she would know how much she was getting, wouldn't she? It doesn't change monthly, does it?

She has an almost-4-year-old and a 10-month-old; can anyone tell me roughly how much the minimum stipend is in Porter County (or more generally, in Indiana)? I realize this may not be kosher.

Finally, these are her first foster children, and the older child is not well-behaved. (Screaming tantrums, stealing, lying.) My friend repeatedly makes comments that "they're going home on (date), just keep telling yourself they're going home (date)" because the caseworker told her what day they're going back to their real mother. Should I call the FSSA and report these sorts of comments?

[tpakra]

It sounds to me like there is nothing to report regarding behavior. They are foster children, and foster children act up sometimes, just like a lot of kids who are not foster children.

As far as the stipend goes, I think that is between the county and the foster parent. If she did not give you the amount you agreed upon, then that's something to take up with her, and the monthly stipend amount should not even be a factor. There are a lot of things to pay for with that stipend, such as food, clothing, diapers, over the counter meds, etc.

It sounds to me like you are upset that she didn't pay you enough, but there is no need to try and get 'revenge' by reporting her to the state and trying to get her foster care license revoked. If there is a money issue, then take it up with her. If it doesn't get resolved then, then there is always small claims court. But don't go out for revenge on someone just because of money.

[BrandyHagz]

It sounds to me like you are upset that she didn't pay you enough

Hmmm...it sounds to me like the FM lied to her about how much she would pay her to get her to keep her foster kids...and never intended to pay her.

I take a different approach...if she is having financial problems and she can't meet her obligations in regard to the care that she requires the children to have (such as having to hire a baby sitter for an extended period because she is going out of town for work) then YES I think you should report her for that.

She knew, before she left, how much it would cost her...her excuse is lame and her CW should be aware of the fact that she isn't keeping her financial commitments.