Best thing to do is buy super cheap clothes and bulk different sizes in your case you have newborns so shop around look for onesies see if you can buy it in bulk if you have flea markets or any kind of places like that you can buy new clothes real cheap and buying bulk have different sizes just waiting that way you don't run into that issue of how to spend money every time you already have a stockpile at home as far as the gas thing I would invest in by a four-cylinder vehicle because if you're going to have to travel once or twice a week to a CPS office a four-cylinder vehicle Honda Civic Honda Accord will save you a ton of money on gas really it's a good thing that you are doing helping the system by fostering and helping the kids in need if you're not happy with the money you are making just go buddy another route budget your money and you'll see a dramatic change
I've seen a lot of helpful videos with suggestions to join foster parent groups so you can loan and lend and help each other too. That could help the costs of some things if you have anyone who will donate. God bless you 🙏❤️ we need more loving caretakers
I'm just starting the foster care program did the background check, now home inspection and classes start soon doing a every Saturday (three) then it's done next fingerprints, I think I have to get a physical exam or at least TD shot Oklahoma pays 19.75 a day about 525 a month give or take special needs kids...I'm over 60, single and own a home alone... take care MB
Congratulation on you becoming foster parents. This is so exciting. I love learning about how different states do foster care. I didn't think there would be so many variation in stipends but I'm learning from you guys that it really is different from state to state. Keep me posted of your progress.
That's true, as I am a foster parent and the check you get is for the child. They say it covers room and board but it does not. room board, food, transportation, clothes, toiletries, toys, blankets, laundry entertainment etc. does not cover that money, plus our time as a foster parent. We get looked at funny by social workers, when our time and labor is not even paid for. It's unfair, they need to pay up 3 times more, the system is ungrateful and unfair, I'm thinking of stopping. The worst part is you can't file taxes on those checks either as they are none taxable. totally unfair. Foster parents need a union.
@@mikkiinthekitchen5134 "The worst part is you can't file taxes on those checks either as they are none taxable. totally unfair." ....um, non-taxable means you don't have to PAY taxes as if the money is income. If it was taxable you'd be losing a lot of that money. Tax returns aren't a gift from the government; they're a return of money when you've overpaid.
That is awesome you let them keep what is theirs. And i have been in foster homes where they dont let you keep nothing your clothes yeah but not your phone even though you earned it doing chores and with good grades. Its insane. I was through a private agengy called camelot in tn. My mom did not abuse me she was not on drugs so do not hate my mom. She was sick and on life support and could not care for me. People can be so judgemental on how can a parent do this and i think back to my case and my mom died when i was in care. She didnt do anything wrong. I know every case is different its harder when there was no abusive mom or drug addicted parent who didnt seek help. Just a mom who loved her child. I mean my step dad was mean i started geting into trouble so they took me
That’s why I left Florida- that state is expensive but they don’t want to pay anything. In my state $21.50 for new borns to 8 Year’s, $24.75 for 9-13 and $31.50 for 14-18 Year’s. Indiana rocks
shaylyn it’s public so you can look it up on the internet. All the states have that information out there for everyone to see. Most people don’t understand and judge foster parents. I’ll be licensed foster parent any day now and if I didn’t have the extra money saved I wouldn’t be able to do this. Thank you for making this video. Very inspiring to so many. Many blessings.
Thank you so much for the information. It is helpful. From the time you applied to the time you were approved, how long did that take? Also, if you have kids who are school age, do you know whether you have to register them at a local school or take them to the school they are zoned for? I am seriously considering becoming a foster parent. I also live in Florida.
For us it was less than 4 weeks from the time we did our paperwork and fingerprints till we were processed and licences. The classes were the most time consuming part of it all. As for school aged kids it all depends on how far you live from their original school and also what time of year it is. Most of the time you can switch them to a school near you for convenience . Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Thanks for this video, it was really informative. I have a question, two actually. When and how do you receive the foster care reimbursement? Like do you receive it a certain amount of time (like a month) after a child/children are placed? Is it a check you have to cash or is it like a child support card?
In my state the payments begin six weeks after placement and then every month after for as long as you have that placement. Once that placement leaves and a new one comes in the process starts all over again and its another 6 weeks followed by every month. The payments can come by a check that you can cash or it can be direct deposited into your account. I hope that answers your question.
God Bless You for your wonderful Sacrifices. I can see the strength in your eyes. have you considered Cloth Diapers. I don't know if in the long run you would save. I know they have hook ups on the toilets now days to clean the cloth diapers. just my suggestion. I have contemplated being a foster parent for years. the only thing that has held me back is my Chronic Illness that makes parenting difficult at times. the money is not my draw but this video is enlightening to planning this.
I used to cloth diaper when my own kids were babies. It did save us money but also took a lot of energy and time to keep up with all that laundry. Back then I only had 3 kids, Now I am a mom of 6 kiddos (4 bio kids and 2 foster babies) I just don't have the time. TFW
Foster parent here. It's hilarious when people think we can somehow financially profit off of being foster parents. I would be glad to break even. I was childless and spent thousands just getting my home complaint, and another thousand for certification. When all is said and done, that monthly check goes quickly.
I'm not sure, but the first thing you can do is google "becoming a foster parent in San Antonio". that should get you started with the requirements for licensing and get you in contact with department of children and families in you area.
Hi , I don't know if there is a specific income requirement but I do know that they want to make sure that having a foster placement would not be a financial burden for your family. It takes about 6 weeks before your stipends or reimbursements to come in so you need to make enough to cover your family's needs plus your foster children while waiting. I hope that answered your question.
are the kids supposed to be getting paid or some type of money? is it considered foster care if you were taken from your parents but living with family? when they turn 18 are they supposed to be getting paid?
If the kids are with family or close friends of the family that is called kinship care. I'm not an expert on foster care but I can tell you that in my state kids can get an allowance but it depends on age. I don't know if they get money when they turn 18. At that age they are no longer in foster care and can go out on their own. We only care for kids 2 and under so I'm not very familiar with how foster care works with older kids. I hope that answered some of your question.
In some states like California the children 'may' receive an allowance. Some agencies play dirty and will take advantage of the ignorance of the caregiver so it is beneficial to join groups and foster meet-ups. Not all unlicensed kin receive monthly support. I suggest, although family, to endure the licensing process before placement to ensure you aren't shuffled towards applying for welfare as a foster kin in order to receive compensational assistance. Families have the option of choosing to: foster, guardian or adopt. There are some very wonderful social workers in service but many very shady ones usually grouped in certain offices within zones more easily dismissed by stereotypes. Knowledge and community is power in this situation. I would not suggest anyone take this on as a single individual without someone else - family member, companion, neighbor, close friend, actively supportive foster group ("the more the merrier", really applies here) - to rely on and lean on continuously during life torrents. I have over 13yrs invested in this system navigating through a multitude of situations related to the ends and outs of being a foster parent while balancing those uncontrollable emergent that life throws at us unexpectant.
@@jenniferh189 An allowance is supposed to be issued by the agency in addition to your monthly compensation. Also twice a year according to your agreement a check should be received for school shopping. Not enough to load them with Lisa Frank gear but helpful. I always spent way more do to also buying school emblemed gear for games (Homecoming) and other necessary events (school picnics, dances, pictures, trips, fundraisers donations and purchases). Once a year, a family can request assistance on a larger scale for furniture, program fees ($3k for cheerleading fees), unusual medical needs (braces). Use more than a few sources for information for your zone.
Pat P sometimes they’ve been in the system and want to correct the way children in foster care are treated. Sometimes is the Christian thing to do. Other times it’s a relative of yours. Another could be you’re taking max kids and not providing for the children, thus making a profit. Bless all the foster parents who do good.
Antonio Acuna People don’t foster kids for money unless they’re neglectful. Rarely is any money left after what you have to use for the child. But money is an issue because it’s expensive to take in an extra child, especially one who’s been through trauma. I want to help but I won’t be able to do it without compensation.
Jordan Ray You couldn’t foster without the money. It’s only a portion of what you spend on a monthly basis. You have to have the love and drive to be a licensed foster parent. So when you state that “foster care shouldn’t be about the money” it’s simply not about the money however my husband and I both have full time jobs (also overtime) and three children of our own and can barely afford to foster. These children have trauma and wonderful foster parents would want nothing but the best of everything. My biological children wear named brand clothing so when I get foster placements they mostly come in with only the clothes on their back. You need to purchase a whole wardrobe for these kids. Not knowing when they are going home. They can leave your home the next day after you go out and purchase clothing and necessities for them. Not to mention food, sports ( $100’s right here),formula,diapers, beds, car seats and cribs for them as well. Also takes roughly seven months to become a approved licensed foster parent, people always coming and going in and out of your home. Most importantly you need to show love ,passion and stability in their life. So much is involved and someone has to be an advocate for these children.
Jordan Ray it’s not “about money”. But money is an important part of it. People need money to be able to care for children properly. Without the money, most foster parents wouldn’t be able to do what they do. And as highlighted in this video, if foster parents would actually be given enough money, we would probably have more foster carers! I would love to foster but I can’t afford to... but I would be able to if they would increase the amount they allocate for each child
Jordan Ray yes it should... you are providing a “service” and you should be compensated. These aren’t your children. You are taking care of the children of irresponsible humans. Daycare employees get paid, so I believe foster parents should be compensated as well. Biological children are expensive so why wouldn’t you get paid for another persons responsibility
Best thing to do is buy super cheap clothes and bulk different sizes in your case you have newborns so shop around look for onesies see if you can buy it in bulk if you have flea markets or any kind of places like that you can buy new clothes real cheap and buying bulk have different sizes just waiting that way you don't run into that issue of how to spend money every time you already have a stockpile at home as far as the gas thing I would invest in by a four-cylinder vehicle because if you're going to have to travel once or twice a week to a CPS office a four-cylinder vehicle Honda Civic Honda Accord will save you a ton of money on gas really it's a good thing that you are doing helping the system by fostering and helping the kids in need if you're not happy with the money you are making just go buddy another route budget your money and you'll see a dramatic change
Phillip Saia you have to add basic medicine, blankets, toiletries like lotion, shampoo, sanitary napkins
Thank you for being a Foster parent💗
Thank you for being a foster parent. I can tell you truly care ❤️ and love them
God bless you and thank you for caring the foster children.
You are such a lovely person .
This world needs a lot more people like you .
I've seen a lot of helpful videos with suggestions to join foster parent groups so you can loan and lend and help each other too. That could help the costs of some things if you have anyone who will donate. God bless you 🙏❤️ we need more loving caretakers
I'm just starting the foster care program did the background check, now home inspection and classes start soon doing a every Saturday (three) then it's done next fingerprints, I think I have to get a physical exam or at least TD shot Oklahoma pays 19.75 a day about 525 a month give or take special needs kids...I'm over 60, single and own a home alone... take care MB
Congratulation on you becoming foster parents. This is so exciting. I love learning about how different states do foster care. I didn't think there would be so many variation in stipends but I'm learning from you guys that it really is different from state to state. Keep me posted of your progress.
What a wonderful lady
Great information. Thank u
Bless your beautiful soul
I knew the answer - No where near enough.
We need to fight for more money. This is wrong! How can more loving people step up to be foster parents if you have to put your own money into it.
That's true, as I am a foster parent and the check you get is for the child. They say it covers room and board but it does not. room board, food, transportation, clothes, toiletries, toys, blankets, laundry entertainment etc. does not cover that money, plus our time as a foster parent. We get looked at funny by social workers, when our time and labor is not even paid for. It's unfair, they need to pay up 3 times more, the system is ungrateful and unfair, I'm thinking of stopping. The worst part is you can't file taxes on those checks either as they are none taxable. totally unfair. Foster parents need a union.
Ikr and yet fathers have to pay $500+ in child support.
@@mikkiinthekitchen5134 "The worst part is you can't file taxes on those checks either as they are none taxable. totally unfair." ....um, non-taxable means you don't have to PAY taxes as if the money is income. If it was taxable you'd be losing a lot of that money. Tax returns aren't a gift from the government; they're a return of money when you've overpaid.
That is awesome you let them keep what is theirs. And i have been in foster homes where they dont let you keep nothing your clothes yeah but not your phone even though you earned it doing chores and with good grades. Its insane. I was through a private agengy called camelot in tn. My mom did not abuse me she was not on drugs so do not hate my mom. She was sick and on life support and could not care for me. People can be so judgemental on how can a parent do this and i think back to my case and my mom died when i was in care. She didnt do anything wrong. I know every case is different its harder when there was no abusive mom or drug addicted parent who didnt seek help. Just a mom who loved her child. I mean my step dad was mean i started geting into trouble so they took me
That’s why I left Florida- that state is expensive but they don’t want to pay anything. In my state $21.50 for new borns to 8 Year’s, $24.75 for 9-13 and $31.50 for 14-18 Year’s. Indiana rocks
TrucketteTV MsMac
Do you know about Michigan?
shaylyn it’s public so you can look it up on the internet. All the states have that information out there for everyone to see. Most people don’t understand and judge foster parents. I’ll be licensed foster parent any day now and if I didn’t have the extra money saved I wouldn’t be able to do this.
Thank you for making this video. Very inspiring to so many. Many blessings.
$400 is outright shameful
Thank you so much for the information. It is helpful. From the time you applied to the time you were approved, how long did that take? Also, if you have kids who are school age, do you know whether you have to register them at a local school or take them to the school they are zoned for? I am seriously considering becoming a foster parent. I also live in Florida.
For us it was less than 4 weeks from the time we did our paperwork and fingerprints till we were processed and licences. The classes were the most time consuming part of it all.
As for school aged kids it all depends on how far you live from their original school and also what time of year it is. Most of the time you can switch them to a school near you for convenience . Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Facts
Thanks for this video, it was really informative. I have a question, two actually. When and how do you receive the foster care reimbursement? Like do you receive it a certain amount of time (like a month) after a child/children are placed? Is it a check you have to cash or is it like a child support card?
In my state the payments begin six weeks after placement and then every month after for as long as you have that placement. Once that placement leaves and a new one comes in the process starts all over again and its another 6 weeks followed by every month. The payments can come by a check that you can cash or it can be direct deposited into your account. I hope that answers your question.
It does, thanks
God Bless You for your wonderful Sacrifices. I can see the strength in your eyes. have you considered Cloth Diapers. I don't know if in the long run you would save. I know they have hook ups on the toilets now days to clean the cloth diapers. just my suggestion. I have contemplated being a foster parent for years. the only thing that has held me back is my Chronic Illness that makes parenting difficult at times. the money is not my draw but this video is enlightening to planning this.
I used to cloth diaper when my own kids were babies. It did save us money but also took a lot of energy and time to keep up with all that laundry. Back then I only had 3 kids, Now I am a mom of 6 kiddos (4 bio kids and 2 foster babies) I just don't have the time.
TFW
I live in California can someone please tell me were to go and how to apply to become a Foster parent? Thanks a million in avance!
Maria Gutiérrez you do a great job
Where in California are you located?
Foster parent here. It's hilarious when people think we can somehow financially profit off of being foster parents. I would be glad to break even. I was childless and spent thousands just getting my home complaint, and another thousand for certification. When all is said and done, that monthly check goes quickly.
CA is expensive. Stipend is $923.00 a month.
wow. I'm guessing that wouldn't go very far where you live. However that would be great here in Florida.
What age range do you have in CA
I want to be a foster parent too. Be I'm in San Antonio. Is it the same thing.
I'm not sure, but the first thing you can do is google "becoming a foster parent in San Antonio". that should get you started with the requirements for licensing and get you in contact with department of children and families in you area.
I am starting the process to become a foster parent in San Antonio.
Is there a minimum income requirement to be eligible to foster parent? Like do you have to make over $xx,xxx a year?
Hi , I don't know if there is a specific income requirement but I do know that they want to make sure that having a foster placement would not be a financial burden for your family. It takes about 6 weeks before your stipends or reimbursements to come in so you need to make enough to cover your family's needs plus your foster children while waiting. I hope that answered your question.
@@EverythingMicka Yes you did. Thanks so much .
are the kids supposed to be getting paid or some type of money? is it considered foster care if you were taken from your parents but living with family? when they turn 18 are they supposed to be getting paid?
If the kids are with family or close friends of the family that is called kinship care. I'm not an expert on foster care but I can tell you that in my state kids can get an allowance but it depends on age. I don't know if they get money when they turn 18. At that age they are no longer in foster care and can go out on their own. We only care for kids 2 and under so I'm not very familiar with how foster care works with older kids. I hope that answered some of your question.
In Georgia there is a stipend for kinship placements.
In CA, you are required to give your children a weekly allowance based on their age.
In some states like California the children 'may' receive an allowance. Some agencies play dirty and will take advantage of the ignorance of the caregiver so it is beneficial to join groups and foster meet-ups. Not all unlicensed kin receive monthly support. I suggest, although family, to endure the licensing process before placement to ensure you aren't shuffled towards applying for welfare as a foster kin in order to receive compensational assistance. Families have the option of choosing to: foster, guardian or adopt. There are some very wonderful social workers in service but many very shady ones usually grouped in certain offices within zones more easily dismissed by stereotypes. Knowledge and community is power in this situation. I would not suggest anyone take this on as a single individual without someone else - family member, companion, neighbor, close friend, actively supportive foster group ("the more the merrier", really applies here) - to rely on and lean on continuously during life torrents. I have over 13yrs invested in this system navigating through a multitude of situations related to the ends and outs of being a foster parent while balancing those uncontrollable emergent that life throws at us unexpectant.
@@jenniferh189 An allowance is supposed to be issued by the agency in addition to your monthly compensation. Also twice a year according to your agreement a check should be received for school shopping. Not enough to load them with Lisa Frank gear but helpful. I always spent way more do to also buying school emblemed gear for games (Homecoming) and other necessary events (school picnics, dances, pictures, trips, fundraisers donations and purchases). Once a year, a family can request assistance on a larger scale for furniture, program fees ($3k for cheerleading fees), unusual medical needs (braces). Use more than a few sources for information for your zone.
can you become a foster parent if you are a single woman?
Yes you can. I am friends with a few great foster moms that are also single parents.
sandra steele Yes. I am single and I have 3 foster children
God bless you. I'm married and have one...and am tired!@@nomadicvibesofelle
I'm also single and waiting for my first placement but I was told by my worker that stay at home moms get the infants.
I was in foster care dont you get a clothing voucher??
I don't know how other states or agencies do it but in my case we do not receive a clothing voucher.
How much do you have to make to become a foster parent?
I just got started and my w2 forms had 24, 000 last year. I'm just waiting to strt class.
You just have to be able to cover Your own household needs.
It must be a calling. It is obviously not economically rewarding. Why do you do It? There has to be a back story.
Pat P sometimes they’ve been in the system and want to correct the way children in foster care are treated.
Sometimes is the Christian thing to do.
Other times it’s a relative of yours.
Another could be you’re taking max kids and not providing for the children, thus making a profit.
Bless all the foster parents who do good.
Pat P I want to foster. I want to foster because I love kids and I want to help kids who have worse circumstances than I did.
Im so sorry they send kids with nothing not even diapers
Are you doing it for the money? If so, then don’t do it.
If you’re doing it to HELP, then money shouldn’t be an issue.
Antonio Acuna People don’t foster kids for money unless they’re neglectful. Rarely is any money left after what you have to use for the child. But money is an issue because it’s expensive to take in an extra child, especially one who’s been through trauma. I want to help but I won’t be able to do it without compensation.
Foster care shouldn't be about money
Jordan Ray You couldn’t foster without the money. It’s only a portion of what you spend on a monthly basis. You have to have the love and drive to be a licensed foster parent. So when you state that “foster care shouldn’t be about the money” it’s simply not about the money however my husband and I both have full time jobs (also overtime) and three children of our own and can barely afford to foster. These children have trauma and wonderful foster parents would want nothing but the best of everything. My biological children wear named brand clothing so when I get foster placements they mostly come in with only the clothes on their back. You need to purchase a whole wardrobe for these kids. Not knowing when they are going home. They can leave your home the next day after you go out and purchase clothing and necessities for them. Not to mention food, sports ( $100’s right here),formula,diapers, beds, car seats and cribs for them as well. Also takes roughly seven months to become a approved licensed foster parent, people always coming and going in and out of your home. Most importantly you need to show love ,passion and stability in their life. So much is involved and someone has to be an advocate for these children.
Jordan Ray it’s not “about money”. But money is an important part of it. People need money to be able to care for children properly. Without the money, most foster parents wouldn’t be able to do what they do. And as highlighted in this video, if foster parents would actually be given enough money, we would probably have more foster carers! I would love to foster but I can’t afford to... but I would be able to if they would increase the amount they allocate for each child
Jordan Ray yes it should... you are providing a “service” and you should be compensated. These aren’t your children. You are taking care of the children of irresponsible humans. Daycare employees get paid, so I believe foster parents should be compensated as well. Biological children are expensive so why wouldn’t you get paid for another persons responsibility