"Per Diem' Meeting

I live in Hendricks so I'm going to that one as well.

I went to Region 6's meeting a couple nights ago. They spent a good deal of time explaining and defending how they have come up with this new payplan. After 1/1/12, every fc will revert to the new plan, based on whatever category the FCM and team deem best. This supposedly is mostly based on the CANS system (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths tool). When we get a new placement, they will automatically be placed in the lowest level, even if they're obviously special needs, for the first 5 days of placement. Within the first 5 days, the FCM is supposed to be doing the CANS and calling a CFTM. If it goes longer before the CANS and CFTM is done,the new amount will be retroactive back to the 5th day only. Why not back to Day 1? I don't know. If we get through the first 30 days and we see that the child is more special needs than we thought initially at the first CFTM, we can call for another CFTM to take another look and/or do another CANS. After that 30days is passed, we only get a chance to appeal every 6 months or at every critical juncture in the case. As for special occasion allowances like birthdays and Christmas, we have to purchase the item then show a receipt when we turn in the monthly invoice. They will not give $50 to the child to be spent as they wish. The mileage is probably going to be complicated. Right now, some foster families are piloting 2 different methods of tracking mileage. One is more complicated and one is simpler. They will see which one works better. Bottom line, it's all going to be a lot more time intensive for us and more hassle to get paid.

I went to tonights meeting but there were only 50-75 people there. They went over basically what the previous poster stated and then basically everyone complained about the rate change. The biggest gripe is the fact that there is zero account for child care expenses incurred by the foster families. Basically the state is aware of the issue and at this time there is nothing set in place. IMHO, I think the state will just wait and see what happens. How many people will actually quit fostering because of the changes? Right now even losing 100 placement spots in July there are over 125 open spots in current foster homes in Marion County. Time will tell. I think the general attitude of DCS was that this is what it is going to be and not to expect anything different for awhile. Good thing was that if you have a child with more needs you MAY get paid more. Some people may not be able to afford to continue to be FP with this change or to take as many kids. So I guess we all have to decide where we are at and if it is worth it for us to continue. ALSO if anyone is wondering if you have already adopted a child and recieve the federal stipend your rate will not be lowered it will still be based on what childs per diem was when they were adopted.

I don't know what you mean by this, can you explain child care expenses? You mean no CCDF for foster care? Whew, TY! Thank you both for all the information!

Sorry, Childcare expense were not considered in the survey to decide on the rate. The new per diem does NOT reflect what people pay for childcare since some people pay for childcare, some stay home, some get CCDF, etc. Foster children still qualify for CCDF but since there is such a long wait a lot of parents pay for child care with their per diem and basically the old per diem barely covers childcare only. Didn't mean to scare you.

Well considering CCDF never came through for any placement but my first, I guess I shouldn't worry anyway. I just thought if that was the case we are really being sc**ed, which of course we are anyway. I pay at least $30.day for Childcare so I am not seeing the ability to continue at such a loss.

I definitely caught that attitude too.