Do monthly reimbursements for being a foster parent differ b/t county or nonprofits serving the same county?

Question

We are hoping to become fost-adopt parents in San Francisco. We aren't sure how to pick the agency we'll work with. Any pointers?

What are the major differences between becoming a fost-adopt parent with a county agency or one of the nonprofit foster/adoption agencies?

Does one's monthly reimbursement/stipend for being a foster parent differ between these agencies?

Are there generally more services with a nonprofit than a county agency?

Are there fewer or more "hoops" with either kind of agency?

Do the selection of foster kids for adoption differ between them?

Thanks!

Answer 1

IMHO

If you are worried about the amount of money you are getting for foster children, you should not be fostering.

Even if you get the maximum amount, it is NOT enough to care for a child, and when people think it is the kids get no extras.  No birthday celebrations, no christmas gifts, no prom, no high school ring, no school trips, etc, etc, etc.

These things cost money and usually the $400-$700 you get for your foster child WILL NOT COVER the extras.

And it SUCKS going through childhood without those extras.

Also, it SUCKS when you hear "oh I can't get those new sneakers because your check has not come"  or  "sorry, but you can only get second hand clothes because your check is not enough and your clothing allowance is not enough"

THAT SUCKS

Answer 2

Reimbursement differs from county to county and even city to city  but not with different agencies.   In my county it does differ with age groups and  if the child is considered medically fragile you get more because they need more care.

Answer 3

I agree with Looney!  We only get 200 a month...it's there to help reimburse what you would normally spend...it's not there to only spend on the child and when it runs out, the child has to wait till the next month.