[Butterflies2]

Let's say, hypothetically, that a family adopts their foster child at age 10 years. They take the child for needed treatment to therapists and psychiatrists that take the state-paid benefits. The family is disappointed with the quality of care, and as time goes by, the child needs more intensive treatment. The family decides to find better quality treatment, regardless of whether the state will pay for it or not. The family's insurance covers some expenses, but even that "runs out". Now the family is faced with expenses in the hundreds of dollars per month in treatment for the child. The costs are going well beyond the family's budget. Can this family go back to the state to try to get monetary help for the treatment of the child?

[lucyjoy]

One could certainly try. The worst they can do is say know. I would recommend putting the request into writing and providing evidence to back up the need and the reason for the change in treatment. It's certainly worth trying.

[Barksum]

Some families actually get some, or, rarely, all of what they ask for regarding financial help and re-negotiating the adoption subsidy, etc. It's always worth trying.

How is that for a cheery and encouraging note?

[mommytoEli]

it depends. if you are already receiving the maximum amount for a child of their age, then no. if you are not, then you can try. start by documenting EVERYTHING you have tried and how much it is costing. Then, you need to gather diagnosis and treatment plans from all the doctors/providers she is seeing. If your child has an IEP or 504 at school, gather that too. When you make your case to your eligility tech, have everything in order. the worst they can do is say no and continue you at the rate you already receive. most states also have age increases, but you usually have to request them, so don't forget that route, too. i hear ya. my dd costs me a fortune, and she is about to start boarding school as my next plan, but even with all her special care rate increases, she already receives the maximum amount for a child of her age.

[angellabernett]

Hi, as a birthmom to a special needs child diagnosed at the age of 7, I had the help of an advocate , who reffered me to social security office in the state that i currently reside and applied for social security disabilities benefits . This took some time, but well worth the wait, due to the fact o fexpensive mediacl necessities. SSdi comes along with state medicaid or whatever thy may call it in your state . I hope this is of some use for you . I was very releived to get this help or else i would be lost now tooo! Good Lck!

[angellabernett]

Originally Posted by mommytoEli

start by documenting EVERYTHING you have tried and how much it is costing. Then, you need to gather diagnosis and treatment plans from all the doctors/providers she is seeing. If your child has an IEP or 504 at school, gather that too. .

I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT PART SO MUCH EASIER TO USE THIS QOUTE BUT THESE ARE THE DOCUMENTS THAT YOU WILL NEED EVERYTHING YOU CANGATHER YOU TAKE THIS WITH YOU TO THE APPOINTMENT KK AGAIN GOODLUCK

[Lorraine123]

We are currently in this positiion. My daughter is in an out of home placement and we are paying out of pocket. It is draining us financially and we are scared of the future. We are working on getting a one time payment to help us. We feel that would help us more than a subsidy increase. We just began the process, so I have nothing to tell you.