Connecting moms in Polk County, Fla.
we have three children in our custody awarded to us by the state
I don't know if this topic is appropriate in this discussion, I am having trouble with finding help.Our Family took in these children in October, we did not foresee any problems, especially financially. It seems as though we have been down every avenue looking for help with taking care of these children. we have not been successful by any means, we are being told we have to be related or be foster parents to receive any help at all. Unfortunately, we don't fall under either one of those catergories. We have reached a point where trouble is catching up fast, we are lost and don't know where to turn. Is there anyone who can give us advice or direction? My husband works two jobs and it is just not meeting our financial needs. Thank you in advance, Our Family.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Heather(Mamaboo) on -
If the courts gave you guardianship of the children, it will not matter if you are related or not. I think the only thing you don't qualify for is cash assistance from DCF. I had a relative's child for almost a year and never received a dime even though they said I would since I was family. You can apply for medicaid and food stamps through the My Florida website. http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ If they are in school, you can apply for free lunch (I think they would automatically qualify if it's a DCF case). If they aren't in school, you can check with your social worker about getting them into daycare(DCF pays for it). Be sure to have the court documents awarding you custody, you'll need it as proof when applying for any of the above. Another thing you can do is file for child support from the parents. http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/childsupport/
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Permalink Reply by tammy messer on -
Hi Heather, Thank You so much for replying, although we have applied for food stamps and did the interview with someone over the phone, my Husband works 2 Jobs, one being Disney 1 day a month and they said they do not handle cases like this. My social worker said she did not understand that especially since his paycheck from Disney is only $22, My Husband only works there as a seasonal employee to be able to get the benefits as far as getting free tickets. His full time job pays well for a Family of four but with seven its causing a financial burden. The 2 children that are in school do get free lunch. They also have medicaid from before we were awarded custody. My social worker has tried helping us find assistance through United way, that me and my Husband have contributed to over the last 20 years and no success there either. The childrens' parents can't pay child support, although they both work but only earn enough to pay their rent and car payments, then gas to get back and forth to work. when the parents visit they try to give us what they can. We are at a loss and no where to turn. Thank You again for trying to help. :)
Heather(Mamaboo) said:If the courts gave you guardianship of the children, it will not matter if you are related or not. I think the only thing you don't qualify for is cash assistance from DCF. I had a relative's child for almost a year and never received a dime even though they said I would since I was family. You can apply for medicaid and food stamps through the My Florida website. http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ If they are in school, you can apply for free lunch (I think they would automatically qualify if it's a DCF case). If they aren't in school, you can check with your social worker about getting them into daycare(DCF pays for it). Be sure to have the court documents awarding you custody, you'll need it as proof when applying for any of the above. Another thing you can do is file for child support from the parents. http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/childsupport/
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Permalink Reply by NativeLKLDMom on -
Have you spoken with anyone at Heartland for Children?
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Permalink Reply by tammy messer on
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no ma'am I sure haven't, I did not realize that was an option, I actually have not heard of them but I will look them up and try that in the A.M. Thank You!
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Permalink Reply by DeEtte on -
There phone number is 519-8900. You can also call DCF Client relations at 534-7100 and ask them to have a supervisor call you.
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Permalink Reply by NativeLKLDMom on
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Heartland is a great organization. If they cannot help you, they will certainly be able to point you in the right direction.
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Permalink Reply by Trisha Hopkins on -
Heartland is great. You can ask them about the GAP program. Sometimes they can help you find what you need but sadly there is not a whole lot of help out there. Don't understand about the food stamps thing because it goes by income and how many people live in your house.Did they deny you stamps?
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Permalink Reply by linda gauntt on
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Have you tried the Devereux Gap Program? They were a tremendous help for me. We got everything done at one time, all assistance was done through their offices. Their number is 298-4400.
If any of the children have special needs, call FDLRS at 647-4258, they can get you in touch with many resources.
Hope this helps you.
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