monthly stipend questions

The stipend is intended to meet the child's needs, which includes all board and care needs. In other words, the money is intended to help with the increased cost of food, utilities, wear/tear on your home, toys/books, car seats, time off from work because the child is sick or expelled from school/daycare, etc. It would certainly include the upkeep of your vehicle which could mean the purchase of a different vehicle to meet your needs. The stipend is a non-taxed reimbursement for your expenses... hence most places don't send a check until after you provide the care. That makes it really hard when a child first arrives at your door. They may have nothing except the clothes they have on and that first month is expensive.