Foster Care for my Nephew in California?

ggal · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

Hi everyone! I need advice...

My nephew is 7 years old and has a preliminary diagnosis of Asperger
syndrome and ADHD. He was living with my in-laws in Atlanta, Georgia
until the state placed him in a foster home (long story...). Since he
can't stay with his foster parents for an extended period, my husband
offered to have him move in with us in Los Angeles, California. He
would move here at the beginning of the school year (August or
September). My husband and I are both employed and come home late
almost every evening. Fortunately, we live close to work so it
wouldn't be an issue to pick him up as needed and either take him home
or bring him into the office. However, I would think it would be
beneficial to hire a nanny or someone in a similar capacity to help
out.

If our nephew comes over we'll have to find a bigger place (currently
in a 1-bedroom), so the price of our home will probably double.
Salary-wise we are doing OK, but I don't think we could afford a
nanny. The foster parent that is currently taking care of my nephew
mentioned that we would qualify as foster parents ourselves, so we may
be eligible for some of type of compensation from the state. I have
two questions:

1. Would we qualify as foster parents even though we'd be taking care
of our nephew?
2. What would the foster care rate be?
3. Is there an agency I should contact?

This whole situation has been very confusing/scary/sad... I have no
children of my own so this will be a huge change for us. Thank you
for your help...

Archived from group: alt>support>foster-parents

Steve & Cathy · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 3

On Feb 19, 8:06 pm, ggal wrote:
> Hi everyone! I need advice...
>
> My nephew is 7 years old and has a preliminary diagnosis of Asperger
> syndrome and ADHD. He was living with my in-laws in Atlanta, Georgia
> until the state placed him in a foster home (long story...). Since he
> can't stay with his foster parents for an extended period, my husband
> offered to have him move in with us in Los Angeles, California. He
> would move here at the beginning of the school year (August or
> September). My husband and I are both employed and come home late
> almost every evening. Fortunately, we live close to work so it
> wouldn't be an issue to pick him up as needed and either take him home
> or bring him into the office. However, I would think it would be
> beneficial to hire a nanny or someone in a similar capacity to help
> out.
>
> If our nephew comes over we'll have to find a bigger place (currently
> in a 1-bedroom), so the price of our home will probably double.
> Salary-wise we are doing OK, but I don't think we could afford a
> nanny. The foster parent that is currently taking care of my nephew
> mentioned that we would qualify as foster parents ourselves, so we may
> be eligible for some of type of compensation from the state. I have
> two questions:
>
> 1. Would we qualify as foster parents even though we'd be taking care
> of our nephew?
> 2. What would the foster care rate be?
> 3. Is there an agency I should contact?
>
> This whole situation has been very confusing/scary/sad... I have no
> children of my own so this will be a huge change for us. Thank you
> for your help...

Hi. We have attached a link for foster care in California. We have
worked both with NJ state run and Pa which is more county run. The
rules in NJ are relatively standard while in Pa they vary so I would
check to see which is for Ca. It does appear to be a more diversified
group so go into detail with whomever you contact. Qualifying is also
unique to each state but "relative care" is usually a plus in the
considerations and can often allow you to have the child while still
getting licensed. Realize this is a process with many hoops to jump
through, some good some stupid, but jump you must so get it over
with. The rate should also be easily obtained but additional benefits
can take some research. Check in on medical, college, mileage, school
supplies, vacation expenses etc. These are often available but not
always obvious. Finally, realize a good portion of your private life
will be gone. It does appear to many to be a sacrifice. We have two
adopted children through foster care and they have become part of our
life and any "sacrifice" we many have made has been paid back many
times. If we can be of any further help let us know. Here is the
link: http://www.fostercaremonth.org/AboutFosterCare/StatisticsAndData/Documents/CA-Facts-FCM07.pdf

Steve & Cathy Compass Parenting