Foster parent and working full time

I am in S. Cali, so your area might be different, but here is my experience, for what its worth. I work full time as well, and my FFA (Foster Family Agency) had no hesitation with placing a newborn with us. When we were placed with our newborn daughter, I took advantage of the California Family Rights Act (CFRA): "The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) (Gov. Code, 12945.2) was established to ensure secure leave rights for the following: ... Placement of a child in the employee's family for adoption or foster care ..." After the initial 6 weeks family leave, I placed BG in an infant daycare (the same in-home daycare I used for my bio son so many years previously. :prop: ) My FFA had certain licensing guidelines for daycare, and this provider was in compliance. Unfortunately, DCFS does not pay for daycare - the stipend is to be used for any daycare costs. Our stipend did not cover daycare completely (and does not completely cover her preschool costs now) but it does cover the lion's share. I hope this helps, and feel free to ask any questions. :woohoo:

I am also in SoCal. Same EXACT situation as with AmazonianQueen. I also took advantage of the leave. and NO way does the stipend cover day care cost.

My Dh and I both work full time and our two are in daycare during the week. Unfortunately the State does not pay for daycare; however the stipend normally will cover daycare in certain situations. I was able to find a small licensed homecare facility so we have no out of pocket cost for daycare. I would reach out to a couple of FFAs and attend a intro class. In S CA, FFA licensing is much faster than the County and you receive better support in the long run. Good Luck:)

I second LotusMama's recommendation for an FFA as we were licensed through a FFA as well. We received amazing support, the SW's were true advocates for both our family and our former FD (now adopted daughter), and although our timeline from placement to adoption was very fast, TPR was scheduled for 4 months earlier, but the Judge had to postpone due to our County SW completely dropping the ball on certain paperwork needed prior to TPR.

same here, I took advantage of the PFL (Paid Family Leave) you are allowed 6 weeks- but unfortunately the state does not help with child care.

Hubby and I both work full time and have two placements in full time preschool. We applied for, got on the waiting list and finally got preschool funding. ALL of the preschool costs are paid for by a daycare subsidy program under the YMCA. There's also another subsidy program out there that FPs can use, but I forget what it is called. It requires the CW to fill out one simple form and for you to provide the organization with proof that you work full time. So, with a little leg work and a bunch of paperwork we were able to get preschool paid for and still have the stipend check to pay for other expenses. Do a google search in your area for Free daycare or daycare funding. I believe the funds come from the Department of Education. The way I look at it, these kids are in state's custody and the state needs to pay for them.

Depends on your worker. I'm in S. California and a family within my agency got child care and Dcfs is paying for it. This happened within the last 6 months. I was called for a baby and was offered child care assistance but because I didn't work outside the home I wasn't able to get assistance.