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Back when we first got Little Man and Hulk, their FFMom had just received their clothing allowance. She had bought a few things, but sent the balance with the boys. Six months later we automatically received another Clothing Allow. By this time CA had changed from giving $150 every six months, to a one lump $300 once a year. It worked out really well, because we received it right before they were RU'd, so we had a nice chunk of money to really stock up with things to send with them.
They were RU'd, and a few months later (Dec) we had Sweet Pea placed with us. We were her first placement. I was not worried about a clothing allowance at first...but as it started creeping up on the 4 month mark, I started asking about it. I know that it takes time to get the wheels going, and I wanted to make sure that we got one in case she was RU'd as her six month trial. It would be nice to do similar as the boys. Every time I ask about one, I am told that they are not sure how it all works now (since they moved from 2x a year to once a year.)
I understand that our agency (which is great btw) may not know all the ins and outs yet...it is a newer policy, and they are a very small agency. But even the county worker has told me (twice) that she is not sure how it is working now? Her court date is next month, and it looks like she is staying with us for now...but now I am really starting to wonder when or IF we are ever going to get one.
While we can afford to buy her clothes ourselves...what about other families who maybe need that extra money? Is it fair for them to keep a child for 6 months (we have actually had SP for over 7 months) and not get an allowance?
What is the process for you getting the allowance since the change in policy last year?
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i asked for a clothing allowance for my fs that i've had since the 4th of july. he came with 1 pair of shorts - 4 t-shirts - 2 pair or underwear - 2 par of socks - 2 pair of shoes - 1 pair too big and 1 pair too small. when i asked for the clothing allowance to get him clothing - i was told he doesnt get a clohting allowance since his case goal is re-unification. and we all know the agency's are are a month behind - so i cant get him all the clothes he needs until his july check comes in august. i feel bad for him - i have bought him clothes - so he has something - just feel like - if i report and prove what lilttle he came with - there should be some compensation for clothing - just my 2 cents. and i'm in cali - so i'm like boo!
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rileyx49
i asked for a clothing allowance for my fs that i've had since the 4th of july. he came with 1 pair of shorts - 4 t-shirts - 2 pair or underwear - 2 par of socks - 2 pair of shoes - 1 pair too big and 1 pair too small. when i asked for the clothing allowance to get him clothing - i was told he doesnt get a clohting allowance since his case goal is re-unification. and we all know the agency's are are a month behind - so i cant get him all the clothes he needs until his july check comes in august. i feel bad for him - i have bought him clothes - so he has something - just feel like - if i report and prove what lilttle he came with - there should be some compensation for clothing - just my 2 cents. and i'm in cali - so i'm like boo!
We received a clothing allowance here (SD county) a couple of times when he first came. I thought it was quite excessive. I think it was like $300. It came over a period of a few months. Babies just do not need that much in clothinng. I hate waste (we are green)so it was kind of frustrating. I thought if I dont spend it on him, I have to save it...but then if he goes home I am not sending his parents the money...so I also know I will not keep it...so we had to spend it.
I am sorry yours did not come though. I am suprised that different counties do it differently!
For those without the means.....
There is always the regular monthly check...it is for the needs of the child. Also a foster family should be in a position to provide things ahead of the checks coming. That is what I have been told. It also just makes sense.
I live in Orange County & I am a county foster parent. I have already bought our FC his school clothes. I have been waiting for a clothing allowance. I decided to call the Eligibility Worker to enquire about a clothing allowance. She told my that the State has stopped the clothing allowance. Reason given is that the State doesn't have any money. I called on 8/20/12
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We are in Riverside County. I get a clothing allowance (completely unexpected!) every quarter for $97 each child. We are currently fostering them, but have also been name their adoptive home. Im not sure if the allowance will go away when they become legally ours.It came at the perfect times, right when we got them, and the beginning of the new school year :)
Ok, so we just got our clothing allowance :happydance: ($308). It sounds to me as if it varies by county? It still does not make sense to me how my county is doing it.
It sounds like they send everyone's CA out at once...once a year. If Sweet Pea would have went home last month at her 6 month review, it appears that she would not have gotten a clothing allowance at all. However if we would have just gotten her, she would have still received $308...whether she stays 6 months or a year?
So, in my county if a child comes into and then out of care between Sept/Oct-Mar/April...bad luck, no clothing allowance? But, no matter how long a child has been in care-- as long as they are on the books in Aug...shopping spree??
Strange!
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I'm confused. It this on top of the monthly check? Wouldn't the monthly check cover clothes. We were taking a class and it was something like $900 per child. I don't spend $900 a month on my own son with food, clothing, activities, etc. Or, do a lot of families use that $900 for daycare? Is the clothing allowance in addition to? Never heard of it.
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I as well am in orange county and i got informed by my agency there will be no more clothing allowance. they said they are having some meeting next month to discuss it....i don't see how they are going to make this one fly unless they increase our monthly payment but most of the placements i have gotten come with nothing clothes wise. What do they expect us to just buy them a whole new wardrobe and not be reimbursed? We end up going out and doing it anyways cuz the kids need what they need regardless?? who knows?
WagsWife
Back when we first got Little Man and Hulk, their FFMom had just received their clothing allowance. She had bought a few things, but sent the balance with the boys. Six months later we automatically received another Clothing Allow. By this time CA had changed from giving $150 every six months, to a one lump $300 once a year. It worked out really well, because we received it right before they were RU'd, so we had a nice chunk of money to really stock up with things to send with them.
They were RU'd, and a few months later (Dec) we had Sweet Pea placed with us. We were her first placement. I was not worried about a clothing allowance at first...but as it started creeping up on the 4 month mark, I started asking about it. I know that it takes time to get the wheels going, and I wanted to make sure that we got one in case she was RU'd as her six month trial. It would be nice to do similar as the boys. Every time I ask about one, I am told that they are not sure how it all works now (since they moved from 2x a year to once a year.)
I understand that our agency (which is great btw) may not know all the ins and outs yet...it is a newer policy, and they are a very small agency. But even the county worker has told me (twice) that she is not sure how it is working now? Her court date is next month, and it looks like she is staying with us for now...but now I am really starting to wonder when or IF we are ever going to get one.
While we can afford to buy her clothes ourselves...what about other families who maybe need that extra money? Is it fair for them to keep a child for 6 months (we have actually had SP for over 7 months) and not get an allowance?
What is the process for you getting the allowance since the change in policy last year?