Foster care and finances

[Saphire]

There are many people who somehow find a way to 'work' the system in every aspect of life...from unemployment and SSI, to CVS extra bucks to foster care. I can't and don't keep up with them.

I just released a dear foster daughter to her new adoptive home and my heart is broken. I miss her so much, but I know her first 10 months of life were good and stable and loving. We just did our taxes, and I earned 16K less last year because I reduced my work hours. I received $17 a day to care for her. It was worth it.

Yes, there are people out there who abuse good programs that have been put in place to help children. Why do we always talk about them? There are so many others doing good works quietly and relentlessy, but few people ever mention us.

 

[sammy66]

I just released a dear foster daughter to her new adoptive home and my heart is broken. I miss her so much,

I am so sorry for you, but you have done an amazing thing for this child.


I know that we will never have to go through this because ours is here to stay.

 

[NotUrsula]

My state has a category of "career" foster parents who care for kids with special needs. They can make a living at it, especially if they live out in the country, which is common for them. (Not a great living, you understand, but getting by.)

They have to have fairly extensive formal training in child development and court advocacy, and they cannot otherwise work outside the home. The contract requires that they be available to supervise the children 24/7. Many of them will care for about 10 kids at a time.

 

[disykat]

I have met a woman who "makes her living" having foster children. (I knew one of the children fairly well) She almost always has at least four foster children in her home. She does emergency fostering and short term fostering, both needed desperately.

It's bothering me that people are painting all who do this in such a horrible light. This woman has been an angel to the many children who have passed through her home.