[rmyoung]

I remember reading somewhere a while back that you can sign up for WIC for your foster child. Does anyone have information about this? I am reluctant to ask our fosterchild's caseworker if it is not even a possibility. Any info would be very appreciated!

[stepforone]

Yes, children under the age of 5 qualify for WIC. It is judged on their income - not your's so it doesn't matter how much you make. You will need their medicaid card and some proof of ID on yourself (like a bill with your address on it, placement papers on the child). I don't know what age children you have but for babies up until 1 yr they pay for 9 cans of formula a month. At 4 or 6 months they add baby cereal and juice each month. After one they provide things like cheese, milk, eggs, beans, peanut butter (can't remember what else). It definitely comes in handy for the infants. I stopped using it for my older child because they tested her iron by pricking her finger every 3 months and she really didn't like that! But I use it all the time on my babies, our Dr. told us about it on our first visit to him with a foster child. My dh didn't think we should use it since we had enough money to buy food for the children. But the Dr. pointed out that the child is entitled to it and deserves everything they can get. Call the local WIC office (should be in the phone book) and ask about making an apt. and what ID you need to bring. Depending on how long ago it was that you got this placement, the bios might have already filled this month's vouchers when they had the children. You might want to ask the CW about that. But really the CW doesn't have anything to do with the WIC side of things, but if the Medicaid card isn't in yet you might want to call the CW and tell them you need it ASAP to get child to the Dr. and to start WIC.

[rmyoung]

thanks for the advice!

well, we did sign up for WIC. My little guy is not to crazy about the finger prick for iron test, but I was glad to get this test done since CPS doctor did not test for iron (even though baby had Rx for iron supplement when came into placement!).

Going to the WIC office is kind of a pain, due to the waiting and then also the classes you are required to attend. But I got some really good information, which comes in handy to a fostermom who is also a first-time-mom!!!!!

[gregorysparents]

rmyoung, the money that WIC saves you is awesome.

With milk over $3 a gallon and with formula costing as much as it does - we greatly appreciated the help. We only get WIC for Whyatt now - since Gregory is gone.

As for the classes - I have been pretty lucky. I have never had to sit in a class with a bunch of other people. These "classes" are given to me one-on-one. I am not sure why - just lucky I guess!!

Finally, since we have never had a newborn, it is nice to have WIC to check the weight, iron and etc. Plus, between going to the Dr. and WIC - we know that we are raising this baby "properly". It's just another way that we (as foster parents) can have another way to "cover our bases" so to speak.

Christina

[mjsmom]

We were allowed to sign a waiver and opt out of the classes. I wouldn't have known to ask but another foster mom clued me in. It sure saved time!