[MollyMo]

OK, so I am in the process of filling out the request for subsidy paperwork. My question is this - as I will be a new mother to a 8 year old - what types of things can you advise me that should be included?? I know that I will need after school care and summer care (as I work), but what other things should I include in the request?? Any help would be appreciated, as I know there are things that I am not thinking of!

Molly

[Happy123]

Therapy, braces, tutoring (that alone costs me over $40 hr), daycare, extra activities to boost self esteem (camps, sports--cheerleading is a $1000 year, basketball w/ camps over $500). That is all I can think of for now.

Happy123

[TexasJingles]

Replacement of items damaged in tantrums, if the child is adhd, they go through clothes a LOT quicker, that day care may have to be specialized due to behaviors, don't forget the days that might be needed because of problems at school

I'm not saying the child is a behavior problem, I don't even know, but I know I never thought about special camps in the summer, the days that I missed because of being suspended, -- find out about this from the foster family..if possible.

tutorials you have to prove that the school is not able to do the job (it's a little tricky). Fortunately for us, one has an IEP that states "small student-teacher ratio", 2+ years behind in reading" and more.

Read the history (files) carefully to find out if there is anything that seems to happen at a young age that is still around (aggressive, breaking things, adhd symptoms). If you can show a history of something, it's better.

The subsidy worker won't have read the files, won't know very much about the child, and the more info you can include to the "possible" things you'll go through the better (at least that's what I was told and did on ours).

If this is a straight adoption, you might get money for beds or other things (we didn't because we were their foster parents and already had that stuff...couldn't budge her at all on that one!).

Make sure that you check the box that request medicaid continue. We almost made a huge mistake on that one (the kids qualify until 18). I thought I'd have them on my insurance at school and go from there ... well, the therapist are only on the medicaid list and medicaid won't pay if the other insurance doesn't pay 1st and their wasn't any coordination of benefits for mental health (regular medical was ok, not mental).... so, the kids are NOT on my insurance. I thought I'd get in major trouble since I had put on the subsidy paperwork that they would be on mine.

I know it's nerve racking, but it's not really in stone. It's reviewed at least every 5 years (and it can go down and well as up to the max). If something comes up (loss of job, need a special whatever), you just pick up the phone and call and ask. I just emailed mine when dh lost his job. Take care! Hang in there!

And congrats on the new addition to the family!