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We have our first long term foster placement. It's really hard getting any info from anyone- court dates, etc. Even the CASA person wasn't real interested in me being there. Does anyone experience difficulty with this? I would like to keep up on what is happening in the case. Also, what's everyone's experience with payments? I know about what amount we are to receive monthly for the baby's age and our state's foster payment amount, but have heard nothing from anyone about it (we've had the baby for a month now) I don't know if there's something I am supposed to do, or if it automatically gets sent to us. I haven't worried about it because I am not doing this for the money, and I just love the little guy and love doing this. But it's something I am wondering about at the same time. Thanks for anyone's input!
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First, are you with DCFS or a private agency? Payments are issued by DCFS around the 20th of the month for the prior month. So around May 20th, payment for April will be sent. As for court, they cannot withhold the information regarding court dates. You can be excluded from the hearing by the judge. What county are you in?
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Thanks for the info. I'm in Champaign County. We were all told over and over in training to go to all court dates. I don't think foster parents are normally excluded or asked not to be there from what I hear but I do know a lot of people have to really do their homework to get court dates. I don't really understand why the caseworkers and CASA aren't ever really thrilled about the foster parents knowing what's going on with the parents and what the plan is, what they have to do for their plan, etc. I have their child and I think I am entitled to know at least some of what is happening, the progress, etc. BTW I am with a private agency. Is payment still done by DCFS?
I'll send more info in a PM, but here is some basic information so others know also:
Payment will be made by your private agency. They have their own finance office. We get our around the 27th of the month.
I also had trouble being told what the dates of court was, so I had to make a point to ask or listen carefully in court. We NEVER received it written or unless we asked. If you CW isn't telling you, call and ask to speak with their supervisor. If that supervisor isn't telling you, ask to speak to theirs. Just say something like, "I wasn't sure when the next court date was for the _____ kid/siblings. Can you let me know the date?" If they say they'll transfer you back to the CW then, "I asked, but didn't get a clear answer and really want to make sure it gets put on my calendar."
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