Why Foster?

Good Info To Have:

Money Issues

 

I feel like this is the infamous topic of fostering.  Cause you know that we’re all just doin’ it for the dough that we are undoubtedly rolling in, right?  (right…or….not.)

To be honest, there are people who ‘do it for the money’.  During my time as a caseworker, I worked with foster parents that did.  I’m still clueless as to how they made that work.  But anyway….

 

• When you are a licensed home and you have children placed with you, the state sends you a monthly reimbursement check.  The amount varies depending on the state you live in, and they will likely be skidish to share much specific info on the topic, as they are trying to avoid said foster parents ‘doing it for the money.’ 
• Also, while a child is in state custody, they are on Medicaid.  It isn’t an option for them not to be.  So healthcare is taken care of (except it is next to impossible to find good care for kids on Medicaid – infuriating – but all that for another post.). 
• Also good info to have: if you and your significant other both work, the state also pays for childcare.  You are somewhat limited in what daycares you can use, but there are usually a few to choose from.
• Finally, most states also have a very minimal clothing allowance that they send out approximately every six months to help with clothes for the kids.  And some states have an additional ‘diaper allowance’ that they give families with children under the age of two.

 

I would say that this is a non-issue.  I wouldn’t even post on it…except that, there have been times when Brian and I would not have been able to foster, or not been able to give our foster kids the experiences that we have, had it not been for the help offered by the state.  For example, last month when we went to Horn Creek and did lots of extra fun stuff with the kids, or birthday months, etc.

What I mean to say is it isn’t wrong to need your reimbursement check when fostering.  If it were, then only rich people could foster.  The money is there so that people who have a heart for fostering and for these kids can afford to do it.

So, long story short, don’t let money be a reason you don’t foster until you’ve talked with your agency! 

 

{ I’m posting on this topic because there are a lot of people who probably assume they can’t afford to foster, when really they’d be really great foster parents!  I’m posting at the risk that I’ll get some nasty comment regarding money in foster care – but please realize that money is not, has not, and never will be a central issue for us in fostering.  It is something that has to be considered, though, in the decision to foster.  And to be perfectly honest, if we didn’t have a heart for it, and if we didn’t love these kids like crazy, then you couldn’t pay me enough money to do this!  Ha! 

So.  The disclaimer has been made.  Please be nice.}