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As many others have said the base rate should have been increased years ago.  For those of you reading these articles but are not closely involved with the foster care system let me clarify something for you.

The base rate is to cover raising a "normal" foster child.  A "normal" foster child (with the new CANS system) has had at least one tramatic incident when the casework took the child from their parents, may not be able to talk, may not be potty trained even past the age of 5, eats food from the garbage can, wets in the corner of the room, screams during the night, and many other characteristics not found in most children.  The base rate is for caring for these children.

It does not cover the training and support needed to help these damaged children grown into kids and later adults that can function in our society.

The special rate which all kids should be receiving based on their real needs (not the state budget based limited needs) is what was used to help the foster parent get the training and support required to effectively address each child's needs.

How many of you (not including foster parents) know how to address the needs of kids with sensory integration issues?  What is the difference between ADD and FAE and how are the treatments different?  What are the environmental triggers of a chiild with autism?  What are the differences between a child with autism and a child with BPD?  These are all things (plus many more) you need to know when caring for these "normal" foster kids, while only receiving the base rate.

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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You are not alone.  The state often makes these threats, especially relating to anything to do with money.  We questioned one of our rates for an adopted child and they audited the payments of another child.  This is part of the politics of dealing with the state. 

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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If you provide proof that the child in question made the damage plus at least two bids from contractors to repair the damage the state may decide to cover the repairs.

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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