Question about adoption subsidy

You are right, under the current rules, you would not be able to get a subsidy for her, but let me explain how it works and where Florida is right now. The adoption subsidy comes from the Federal goverment, the state then pays it out to the families. Florida is given a certain amount every year, and right now Florida has an excess of subsidy money. Yep thats right, they have too much! Currently the adoption subsidy is being given to every adopted child, at least in our county it is. Just remember the subsidy is not a set rate and has to be negotiated, so the amount you get could be less then what others get, but it is very possible you could get something, or if things change, and they follow the rules,nothing at all. For now, things look really good.

Thanks for the info. Here's my concern. Dh is saying that he is not sure he wants to take on the financial responsibility of a fourth child. He loves FD with all his heart. She has him wrapped around her finger. But to him, he won't let emotions override the fact that it's still a big financial undertaken. Of course, I let my emotions always take over=) My thoughts are that God will bless when we do His will. He will take care of all our needs. I don't want the money part to be a deal breaker. My fear is that if we request subsidy and it's denied, Dh won't want to move ahead anyway. Dh thinks that due to the fact bio mom is bipolar (and the state wanted her mentally eval. because they were thinking she might be schizo. - I'm not sure what the tests showed) that these mental health issues could pop up with FD as well--and he wants to be financially stable to give FD the therapy she might need in the future(makes sense). But then I fear that the state will tell me there are plenty of families that will adopt not wanting the subsidy and they would move her to another home if that is the case. See...I'm too emotional. Because again, Dh reminds me that this hasn't even moved towards adotion yet, so why fret over something that hasn't even happened yet. But I want to go over all obstacles now before they happen=) Any thoughts?

In a way your husband is right, there is no sense in driving your self crazy with this until you have TPR. But it is good to think about the what if's. If you where to adopt today, you would get the subsidy. But since you don't have TPR yet, there is no way to tell where things will be when that does does happen. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about it, there is a very good chance that you will get it. The [FONT=Arial]governor[/FONT] is pushing very hard for all families to get the subsidy. I don't see that changing anytime soon. The history of mental illness in the family could help you. There are many families not willing to adopt a child with that kind of history, and they can be harder to find families for. As a guardian, I tell all my families not to try and see too far into the future. With foster care you never know what will happen and which way things will go and just when you think you do, it changes. Try not to dwell on it too much right now. Enjoy your FD, pray a lot and things always have a way of working out.

I agree with HunterFamily. It's good that your thinking about it but don't stress. As far as a history of mental health issues, regardless, every child that is adopted from foster care is given Medicaid until they turn 18. So any issues, mental, medical and/or physical would be covered under Medicaid including all therapies. One day at a time and enjoy this time with your fd.

Thanks~ I am such a planner --which is a hard thing to do as a fosterparent! Dh keeps me grounded=) FD's GAL comes out this week so I'll get a better feel for where things might stand with the case. Thanks again for your info.