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I have been a foster parent for over 20 years, and usually work with up to 5 at risk foster kids.  With the new rate design, I have a choice to make, feed my foster children and pay or pay my mortgage.  Of course, I have to feed my children, but soon I will lose my home.  When the new rate design was implemented, my income was cut  in half.  Most of the kids in my home, have been with me for over 1 year.  The state is forcing me to quit working with at risk youth, and turn my  back on the kids that I serve.  My son that I took guardianship over, but I can't afford to keep him in house.  After  the state implemented the new rate design, I'm getting 2/3 less for supervising him in my care.   I tried to talk the state about my situation, and they said that they were not empathetic to my concerns.  They said that I should have another source of income.  How could I have another source of income, when my kids need support 24/7.  My last kids leaves for school at 8:20 a.m. and my first kid returns at 3:00 p.m.  Most of my life, I have been supporting at risk kids.   I pray that the state is able to revisit the rate design and come with an alternative plan that supports the foster home and foster child.

"T"

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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