Elimination of foster care subsidies of grave concern-Go New Hampshire!!!!!

Elimination of foster care subsidies of grave concern - Fosters

Go New Hampshire!!!! Without the subsidies, do you honestly think the foster's and adoptive parent's will want these children? I think NOT!!!!!

Elimination of foster care subsidies of grave concern

By JENNIFER KEEFE
jkeefe@fosters.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

DOVER — A proposal in the state budget to end subsidies for adoption and foster care is anticipated to put many families in a critical financial situation.

While the financial impact of the cuts is as yet unknown, Jennifer Guillemette, director of the New Hampshire Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, said they had believed any subsidy above $20.39 per day would be reduced to that number, any subsidy at that amount would remain the same and all subsidies would be eliminated after July 1.

However, more accurate numbers are being discussed in Concord as legislators prepare for a vote on the budget Thursday, and there is a possibility that number could increase, she said.

In light of the impending vote, Guillemette said they have been outspoken about what an elimination of the subsidy would mean for New Hampshire families.

"Families who have subsidies have adopted children who are medically fragile and have significant medical needs," Guillemette said. "Subsidies have allowed them to afford the medical care and travel to take these kids to the appointments they need."

She said some have been unable to keep a steady job due to the significant medical treatment their children require and such subsidies have allowed them to stay at home and take care of the child.

Subsidies are provided based on a child's need. Adoptive and foster parents work with the Division of Children, Youth and Families to determine the needs of the children and what their long-term needs are going to be.

Foster's Managing Editor Mary Pat Rowland, who with husband Dan Daigle has adopted five foster children, said the loss of the subsidy would be a "devastating blow" to the household.

"It's a lot of money," she said. "It keeps us afloat. And we use our own money to provide a lot of things for them."

Guillemette said cutting the subsidy would not only impact families currently with foster or adopted children, but families looking to adopt.