Single foster mother of two Cleveland Ohio.?

Question

I LIVE IN CUYAHOG COUNTY, AND I'M HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING DAYCARE AFTER SCHOOL VOUCHERS, NEED HELP WITH SCHOOL SUPPLYS, MY WORKER SAID THAT THERE'S NOTHING THAT SHE CAN DO FOR ME. WHEN I APPLIED FOR FOSTERING THEY SAID THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF I DID. BUT NOW I HAVE 3 PEOPLE TO TAKE CARE OF FROM THAT 1 PERSON INCOME. WHAT DO I DO? I REALLY LIKE THE KIDS AND THEY HAVE GOT ADJUSTED TO ME I DON'T WANT TO GIVE THEM BACK THAT WOULD ONLY HURT THEM MORE.MY WORKER SAID THAT I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THERE EVERY NEEDS UNTIL I GET SOME INCOME FOR THEM,BUT THAT MIGHT BE 30 TO 60 DAYS FROM THE TIME OF PLACEMENT. PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

Hang in there. When our foster kids came, it took about two months for the reimbursement to start. It took a little longer for the initial clothing allowance to come and for the day care. Fortunately for me, the day care was used to dealing with FIA, so they did not make us pay up front. Maybe you could talk to the day care provider? If you have the kids in the after school program, the cost may be more than what is reimbursed.

In my area, the person who does the day care reimbursement is different than the person who does the other reimbursements. In our case, the person was really slow to get things moving so we had to finally talk to a supervisor.

If you need things for the kids, maybe your friends or family would be willing to donate supplies. A few of the people I work with had kids a little older than mine, so they were very generous with clothing and equipment.

If your kids came with basically the clothes on their backs, like mine did, try your local free cycle as well as churches. Although I have not gone, there is a church right next door to where I live that has free clothing give away about once a month. They may also be able to help with food. If the children are young enough there is WIC available. If they are in school, they qualify for the free breakfast and lunch program.

I would also talk to other foster parents in your area to see what they have done. There are probably others who have been in a similar situation and worked through it. Another thing is I always thought the reimbursement would be enough to cover the expenses. But after the kids came I realized it does not. We end up having to spend quite a bit out of pocket to cover the cost. We are fortunately to have the resources though I realize not everyone does.

Good luck. You might want to join the yahoo group listed below. Lots of people from around the country who could answer you more specifically.

Answer 2

Hang in there . Some workers will go the extra mile to help while others just want to collect their paycheck . I sure she could have requested an emergency check to at least get food . But maybe Ohio is different . New Jersey assist with things like that . When the children are brought to your home they bring an emergency clothing allowance check for each child that will be staying in your home . Depending on the age of the child it is $150 to $175 per child . Wish other states invested more in their children. In the foster care system. New Jersey could use more foster parents . We really need more.

Answer 3

There are many places to help you. My church is an administrative distribution center for many agencies to help you fill in the gap. One is called "Shoes and Clothes for Kids." Another is "Angel Food" where you can buy $100.00 worth of food for 30 bucks. Call 216-432-2216 and find out the times, usually the 3rd Saturday of the month when you can come sign up and get the assistance. Bless your family.

Answer 4

I do I live in Cleveland Ohio in the Treemont area.

Answer 5

As far as extra things you need, there are alot of places that can help you. If you go to FreeCycle and register with them, you can request items needed and people on the network will also help you find resources where you can get the other things you need. Good Luck honey, there are people out here that can help you. You are not alone, just ask and reach out for what you need.

Answer 6

did u go to da welfare office? wut did they say? wit welfare u need to get on their *** about stuff like dis. da first time i went to welfare i applied for food stamps n they only gave me $60 a month, well dat aint enuf for me cuz i dont work n stuff like dat. so i kept goin, n i told them wit a firm voice, n kept callin them goin over there in person and didnt quit until they gave me da ammount i need. now im gettin 3times as much in food stamps. do u work? if u work u cant really apply at welfare unless u gettin paid under da table. if any of da kids got any physical or mental disability (bipolar, learnin disability, physical handicap) u can go to apply for ssi. u gotta get on they asses too cuz they like to play around, so u gotta show dem dat u dont play. good luck!

Answer 7

Go to the Salvation Army or your church and ask for help.

Answer 8

Since you seem to have the internet, maybe you should use eBay to sell things.

Answer 9

Church would be helpful to you.... Ask for some money there to support this situtation.