Older children also need sport specific shoes, uniforms, sport pictures, formal dance clothing, money for field trips, one meal at a sit down restaurant uses up the daily stipend, etc. We fostered a teen and the stipend definitely did NOT cover all the needs. But he brought our family so much joy.

We are at the end of our certification journey. The home study is next. We plan to foster age 0-5 years. Our community has gathered around to support us. I’ve received bags and bags of clothing. I’m in the process of sorting. My mom is sewing cute pillow cases. My dad is the king of the claw machine. Lol! I have a box full of cute stuffed animals. I’m picking up any nice clearances our duffel bags and luggage I can find. No child will leave my house with a trash bag. Lots of thinking ahead about what the kids might need. Our ultimate goal though is to give each child a loving and stable home while they are with us. We hope that’s the biggest thing they take with them.

The opening statement of this made my heart happy, I was a foster child who was thankfully adopted into an amazing family with my 2 blood siblings. When I was adopted I was wearing shoes that my toes were literally poking out of, I was dirty, malnourished and it was literally the worst experience of my life. Watching your videos show me how it should have been for me as a child, instead the money was used to take themselves and their children on holiday while I stayed behind. We were completely abused physically and mentally. Your family are doing an amazing thing and I hope once our own little one is older we will be able to open our home up to foster and provide a better safe space than I had ❤

@Treemeadow

4 жыл бұрын

so your foster family were the ones abusing you guys, and then you got adopted into a better family? I was a little confused XD

@kezza82

4 жыл бұрын

So ur 2and foster home was awesme is tht right and if so great

@JL-iu7fk

4 жыл бұрын

Heidi Corr I'm sorry, for your horrible experiences being in foster care. You definitely need to not only report the abuse you endured but have the authorities look at any and all the other children those people may have victimized.

@heidicorr334

4 жыл бұрын

@@Treemeadow yes our foster family was horrific, then we were adopted by an amazing couple who have cared for us and been the most amazing parents for the past 20 years :)

@heidicorr334

4 жыл бұрын

@@JL-iu7fk the authorities eventually looked into the foster carers after a few other children made complaints. They are no longer allowed to foster but it definitely took a long time to happen x

Thanks for this vid. Foster parenting should never be "profitable". If it is, the foster parent is failing that kid TREMENDOUSLY. Sometimes I wish foster 'rents were forced to show expenses to either the GAL or the judge to prove the $ is being used to care for the kid. Ugh.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Good point! What they do, during your application and licensing you have to show your financial stability. So you are able to pay your bills.

@erinaa9486

4 жыл бұрын

Wait, what? Ppl aren't obligated to show how they used the money?? No wonder some ppl just steal it outright...

@lizbentley5721

4 жыл бұрын

@@erinaa9486 You're required to do an Expense report in VA, but just bc you bought something doesnt mean you didn't return it. We have some corrupt people in this world.

@mery5989

3 жыл бұрын

since we're having this conversation I'd like like to ask something, I'm confused, so is making money off foster care legal or not? in this case it seems not but then you see it described as a job in other sources or I remember about this kid who was adopted and previously was with a single foster mum who always took babies so is that a job then? I don't understand

I am a foster mother of 2 beautiful babies. There is hardly ever any money left over after all of the expenses caring for these 2. Between diapers, wipes, child care, clothing, activities, food, toys, & formula it’s hard to believe anybody has money left over

@shianne1206

4 жыл бұрын

Mousy Leigh agreed!! A lot of my friends assume we get a lot of money but in the end, it hardly ever equals out. I honestly do not mind whether we come out of pocket more or not. Just knowing these kids have a safe & loving home makes everything worth it

@rosebud0391

4 жыл бұрын

I was in a home where the extended family had made fostering a business. Two sisters and their daughters all squeezed as many kids in their houses as possible to fund renovations and vacations (without us). Twisted people.

@shianne1206

4 жыл бұрын

BR I’m sorry 🥺 Unfortunately for some people fostering is business to them. Hopefully there are more families out their who do it out of the kindness of their hearts

@rosebud0391

4 жыл бұрын

@@shianne1206 There are a lot of good ones. The problem is, like Ms. A, they stay. So while good foster homes provide stability for the children they serve the other children circulate through the inadequate ones and other congregate care. It is sad indeed.

@mery5989

3 жыл бұрын

B what I don't understand is how legal is it to make money off foster care? wish we would get an explanation for this. I almost thought it wasn't legal but I looked it up and an agency describes it as a job and says if you have a job the kid should 24/7 have priority over it. I'm confused

Okay so honestly I’m a child myself I’m only 20 but all of this made me realize once I’m financially stable enough in my career and have my degree. This something I seriously want to do. Much love 💞💞

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@quinnmorgendorffer8435

4 жыл бұрын

Don't sell yourself short, 20 is a legal adult. Not a child. You're smart to have a plan to get your degree and then foster. You already sound like a mature young adult with a plan.

Thank you for explaining that fostercare is not to make you money but to help and be the village!

I told my mother about wanting to be a foster mom and she only told me it because I would get money. I told her that foster parents get money to take care of the child.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Show her this video 😉

@AEtherealGoddess

4 жыл бұрын

Sadly I don't talk to her anymore, but I know she's not type to admit she's wrong.

I’m almost 21. And I’ve know since I was 15 I’ve wanted to foster/adopt my children. And I want to thank you for all the info you are giving!

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

That is absolutely beautiful that you are so in tuned with what you want to create for your life

I was happy you put it out there “if you are doing it right”. In our county or area There are many folk that don’t do it right! They do it for the money so some poor children are not treated right. They have been working on getting rid of those people! Thank goodness! We just need more wonderful people like you snd John to become foster parents! God will bless you both!

My Sister and her husband were Foster parents about 11 years ago. They had 2 placements. Her son had just turned 1. The first were 2 Sisters, age 3 months and 15 months. She had them for 4 months. Second placement was only for a week for a 15 month old girl. She got script (wic) for essentials like formula (which took up most of the stipend) and then milk, eggs etc... and then (if I remember right) a certain amount for other things like diapers, shoes and clothes. The 2 sisters came with a suitcase full of clothes. And right before she got them, my sister and I went to a garage sale, we got a couple bags full of good clothes for just a few dollars! I think a pair of shoes or boots was one of the only things we bought new for the older one. I still think about the sisters from time to time. My family was sad to see them go, they had become part of our family, they left right before Christmas. But we were also happy that they were able to go live with their Grandparents until the parents were able to have them again.

I have heard the term “fostering to adopt.” Can you talk about that and what exactly it means?

@Treemeadow

4 жыл бұрын

It means you become a foster parent of a child who is likely to be placed for adoption as reunification may not be possible. This means you are fostering for now, but intend to adopt the child should parental rights be revoked from their parents. The majority of adoption from foster care scenarios happen as foster-to-adopts.

@stephaniemcgarrity4058

4 жыл бұрын

Some states have this and some keep fostering and adopting completely separate. In my state the license is the same regardless, but some people call it fostering to adopt if their end goal is ultimately adoption. In my personal case, we didn't necessarily plan on adopting but now that the need is there, we will be adopting our foster daughter.

You are blessed with some adorable children! Love seeing how big they are getting! And how hood you are with Miss A! She seems so happy there, as far as she can away from her family.

As someone from Connecticut who works in foster care and adoption , it’s so interesting to hear how it works in other states! Thank you for sharing your story open and honestly.

U r making a wonderful impact on Miss A & who knows she may become a foster parent one day. Talking about 2nd hand stores , my 13 year old daughter loves going to the Goodwill store. She says they have neat stuff there. When my daughter had my granddaughter Lacie 28 years ago we bought all the baby clothes there. U & your husband are doing a GREAT JOB. 🥰🥰🥰🥰

Love this channel. Keep it up! We need more people like you and your family in the world. My wife and I have been considering fostering, once our teens leave the home and head into college. This is an extremely useful resource. Thanks for doing this channel.

Woman, you are BRAVE to have (what looks like) fabric white chairs at your kitchen table with your little kids 😱 as soon as we had a baby, everything we got was dark and leather 😂 Good job on the video! Very informative and helpful!

@sarabrant723

4 жыл бұрын

I have a 13 year old a 22 month old and a 7 week old..I don't even wear any clothes unless they're black or gray let alone have a white chair in my kitchen.. she definitely definitely is brave and amazing their house is so beautiful they keep it so clean and so nice especially having three kids..

In Australia the money a foster carer can receive is not taxed and certainly is a fair amount, and single foster carers can get a payment of 700 a fortnight so they don't have to work (in addition to the foster allowances and rent assistance if you rent) so you can use it as a form of full income here if you're single, but it's to pay for the costs of running a home. Rent, food, car- all things you *need* to raise kids. The allowance on top goes towards more of the same, plus their clothes, spending money (once they turn 16 in Aust. they get their own 200-ish a fortnight payment from the gov and the foster allowance is decreased by that amount) and all the other things a kid needs to have an enjoyable and successful time. So it's "making money" but if you're buying fancy cars while the kid only gets thriftstore goods (not that thrift is wrong, it's discrepancy that's wrong) then that's exploitation plain and simple.

@Treemeadow

4 жыл бұрын

and the 700 a fortnight payment is still UNDER our poverty line, it's an expensive place to live. Most of that will go towards rent or mortgage and bills/food etc.

@elizajj

4 жыл бұрын

700 a fortnight is NOT enough to live on in Australia. For the majority of the population that wouldn’t even cover their rent or mortgage.

@Treemeadow

4 жыл бұрын

It is with the foster allowances on top. That's the rate of Newstart for a single parent homeschooling or fostering. There are state allowances (Starting at 400 a fortnight for babies up to 4, and increasing) and some private foster agencies add additional allowances (Barnardos, for example) I'm on even less as a standard newstart recipient. It covers my mortgage but I rely on my brother for food.

I’ve been privileged to go CASA shopping to help give Christmas to fosters. Best feeling

Sawyer is getting so big!💓 You guys are amazing in all you do.

You and John are simply AWESOME!!!♥️♥️

you don't get paid for being a foster parent you end up spending more money on the child then what the state allocates per day to you.. I know my friend her and her husband are foster parents and they spend about three times as much as what the state actually gives them. She said she gets $16 a day and she spends about $50 a day the child..she always told me your payment is the satisfaction of knowing that you're making a difference in a child's life, the child has a safestable environment probably for the first time in a long time and seeing the smile on the kids face when they go on a visit home or when they come back from their home visit and just watching a child grow and actually be genuinely happy is more than enough payment.. I talked with her the one day about it in depth and she said that watching her foster daughter go on a home visitcome back and give her and her husband a hug and thank them for all they've done for her she said that she cried herself to sleep that night knowing that she was making a difference in her life.. she said that little girl is now 23 years old and has children of her own and she said she will still stop by the house and come and see them.. even though she eventually went back to her mom she still stops at my girlfriend's house.. she said knowing that she made a difference in that child's life that she still comes to visit as an adult it really really really was worth it.

Ty for your knowledge I’m so excited to start our journey! 🥰

YESS!! We always end up spending more than what's reimbursed but kids are expensive and you want to make sure you get everything your child needs. You also have to think about when you first get a child, you don't get reimbursed until the next month so putting money aside when you do get that call is so important so you can get everything that child needs which is everything since they usually come with nothing. Great message! A lot of people think you could profit from it, and it's IMPOSSIBLE...if you're doing it right.

Oh Whitney. 😭 I could tell you some horror stories about people not doing it right and not getting rich but certainly getting ahead at the expense of the kids. Thank you for not being that way. Thanks for being a good human. I love your family and it makes me happy to see decent people doing foster care.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

❤️❤️

Side note Sawyer wearing johns hat is the cutest thing on the planet!!

I love how naturally you guys incorporate your ads!

👏Awesome👏 We’ve noticed that each state and area is very different. So true, “If you are doing it right you will not make money being a foster parent”. The financial support definitely helps but does not cover everything for the kid here in Missouri. 💙💜💜💜💙

@luckeygirl93

3 жыл бұрын

Yup I'm in Missouri. No one here doing it for the check 🤣

Fostering is not a job! Fostering is a passion! You need to be willing to do for your foster child what you would do for your own child!

Such good info to have that isn't widely available online! I have so many people ask me this question and I will start directing them to this video because you explain it much better than I ever could LOL As a side note, this was something we definitely considered when determining which ages we would be open to having in our home. For us personally, it was easier to have ages 3 and under because that is the age of our children already. That being the case, we had all the baby/toddler items and our house set up was baby/toddler friendly. I come across people who want to foster for babies and then as that baby begins crawling and moving about they realize how much of an adjustment to their lifestyle it is which typically accrues more expenses. In my case, I basically needed another car seat and then I was ready to go! My overall routine stayed the same just plus one. Not saying because it was easy for me it'd be easy for everyone to do it this way, but I have found it makes it more affordable for us when our day to day is the mostly the same since activities and outings are the exact same as I'd normally be doing. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL PLEASE KEEP IT UP!!!

I love your videos so much, as a former foster kid im trying to learm more about foster care. Thank you guys so much, im so thankful to see good eggs like yall out there! Much love from nyc🧿🖤❤

Great video. I learned so, so much from this video. So interesting that Hamilton works with private agencies. I wonder if this is common or uncommon. I will have to look into my city and see how it works.

I wholeheartedly agree with your opening statement!! ♥️

love this video. It KILLS me how much I hear about how wicked foster parents are and how they don't care about the kids, but only the money. Yes, there are people out there that I'm sure are like that but I've met MANY people who could care less about the money, its more about making a difference and supporting each other. For me and my husband it was about supporting families who are having struggles and the hope of being able to adopt through fostering. On a side note, after about 4 years of fostering (19 kids), we have been blessed to adopt two beautiful girls on Feb. 27th!

Just an FYI, there are some swap shops you can look into for clothing! My local one asks you bring in a bad of clothes and pay $20

❤ THE VIILAGE❤ I don't know if you realize you're " GOLDEN", as a person. You're proof that it takes more than being financially stable to foster a child. Thanks, for the information and being such a wonderful part of so many people's lives. Your family is a model in what I wish all foster parents could immaculate. Fostering is so much more than finances, quality as well as quantity of time, emotional consideration for everyone involved. I hope you take time to realize that YOU are a blessing. Don't forget to take time for yourself.

So good! What a great explanation ❤️

Informative & interesting!!

I just love the intro 🥰

1:45 For me it is more of a question of can I financially provide this kid with everything it is gonna need. I want to know that this is a definite yes with some money to spare before I even consider taking the child in.

Also this video gives Me hope that one day I can foster and not have to worry so much about if I can afford to foster a kid! because I know I won’t make any money off a foster kid and I would not want to, but having health issues myself and My needs being expensive alone,knowing that there is money given to you to take care of the kid(s) you are fostering is amazing!

I understand this on every level! Just our food budget tripled! I was honestly in shock lol

In VA, the state has a set amount that foster parents get per month, that total is a combination of housing, personal hygiene, clothing, allowance, and recreation. However, TFCAs (Therapeutic Foster Care Agencies) are given additional grants to pay parents a "VEMAT" (Virginia Enhanced Maintenance Assessment Tool) stipend. Basically, children who require a therapeutic foster family are assigned a score (vemat score), the higher the score, the more intense their needs. These scores determine how much additional money the parent receives to cover the costs of the additional care the child needs. I think this is nice for kids who may need extra therapy, overly expensive treatments, round the clock care, etc. However, it also means I've seen parents who make $10,000 a month off their kids alone which is insane (She has 7 btw). We asked to take in lower vemats bc we're new parents and because we want adoptive placements (and also bc we know our limits). Getting to meet our first child this weekend!

I love your opening statement! So true! I always assumes the money went towards the care and needs of the child. Not in our own pocket! Sad that isn’t the case though! 😞

I usually skip through the sponsored bit, but baby sawyer was so cute I watched till the end!

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

❤️

Very true... Why doesn't KZread have two thumbs up?

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

👍🏽👍🏽

Glad you put this on here. Lots of people think you make money fostering and you do not. We actually spent allot of ours when we did it. If you do teenagers you will barely cover food cost with them let alone have extra. Thank you again for doing a video on this one. Clothes, school activities, church, and cost to take them places. It is not enough really.

Thanks for this video

This is the really sad part about foster care, you can make money but IF YOU ARE DOING IT RIGHT you should not be making money. They are not renting a room from you so that money should not go toward rent. That is the house that you already had. So many times I was in places that refused to meet my needs because they had to pay rent/utilities/food. Most of them own their homes, one person does not affect utilities that much and I only ate dinner there M-F because I had free breakfast/lunch at school and was with family on the weekends. It is even easier to make money in CA if you request children who need "therapeutic homes" which most are just marked that way but they are not that high maintenance just had some behavior issues in the past, normal kids stuff that is blown out of proportion. You are such a good example. Thank you!!

Love this! Hubby and I are in the process of becoming foster parents up in Licking County. We have one biological child... and decided that we have two spare rooms, and tons of love to give to children who need it!

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Yes!!! Look at you both seeing the bigger picture. That’s how we were!

As a foster carer in England this is really interesting to hear as our local authority (who I foster with) and many others pay a weekly amount which covers everything the children need and another amount which is the foster carers pay. Both are around £120 ($160USD) a week. It may not be a lot but in the UK it’s defo possible to make some money from fostering doing it right.

I love your family so so so much!!!!

Hi there! At the bottom of each of your videos, do you have a link to sign up to become a CASA. In one of your videos, can you go into a little more detail about your experience with the CASA program? I am considering becoming a CASA soon, and I was just curious what your thoughts on that program are and what your interactions with CASAs have been like. Thanks so much for your awesome channel!

I start classes soon to be an Adult foster care Relief provider. My parents have done it for half my life and even though I know what to expect I’m still so nervous!!

Great information! Awesome video Whitney! Hope y'all are doing well!

As usual, you have made a beautiful video.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

❤️

I love this channel 😭😭😭😭💕❤️

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

We love you ❤️

I just want to say I love your channel... my husband and I have three bio children grown now with kids and grand kids of their own... we have had custody of several children over the years (never through fostering just custody through DHR)... we now have custody of a 3 year old we have had since she was 11 weeks, a 13 year old we have had since he was 11 months and 6 year ago we adopted out daughter now 14 that was had when she was born and was taken from us by bio mom and given away and after almost tow years DHR called us again and ask if we wanted her back.. because this was the third time she had been with us and back to bio we decided after 1 year if she was still with us we were going to adopt so we did... we are not foster parents we have custody through DHR all the cases were closed long ago so we are their permanent placement (for the two we ave not yet adopted) we are planning to adopt the three year old this year. the 13 year old isn't ready for us to adopt yet because he still has a relationship with his dad and I feel like he is worried that will stop if we adopt... so we will wait till he is ready. We have NEVER received ANY help with the care of any of the kids we have had.. we have always financially taken care of them on our own...it would be nice to have some resources to help with their care but we don't and have always been told there was not any available to us. So you are so right as a foster parent or a chosen parent (like our selves) you do not make money off of it.. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL. (I'm not referring to making a pay I'm talking about help with cloths, school supplies, etc.)

God Bless your loving hearts! ❤❤

If you are doing it right absolutely. I love your videos watch them all the time. Encourageing watching your journey. My husband and I are about to be certified soon and are excited and nervous at the same time. I have wanted to help kids and be a foster or adoptive parent since I was 19. I knew some loving families through my church who did it and helped many kids and that was what started my interest. Also I worked with kids at a group home/orphanage in Mexico. All of those kids just wanted to be loved and have a family. A family from our church now fosters and they say the same thing as you that you do not make money by fostering. It's like a very hard full time job but little pay financially. In my opinion if money is the first thing that is motivating a person they should not be going into it. It should be about love and service and love of kids and families or people. Great video. We also are going through a private agency because of the additional resources and supports they can provide to help us provide the best we can for whatever kiddos we get placed with.

Well said!

my foster parent's had told me they made $600 dollars every 2wks. i been told i was a pay check to them. even though i had my own money from death benifits from my deceased parents.

@debraturner1146

3 жыл бұрын

I am so sorry that you went through that and was told that. Any child is a blessing!

@Nicole-Blasnitz

3 жыл бұрын

@@debraturner1146 thank you for being kind hearted words. I'm different now but, i do still feel the pain the state of iowa left me alone in my time of need.

@debraturner1146

3 жыл бұрын

@@Nicole-Blasnitz , if you ever need someone to vent to or just need a person to care about what is going on in your life please reach out to me .

@debraturner1146

3 жыл бұрын

@@Nicole-Blasnitz I just subscribed to your channel so you can always reach out.

Well said

I’ve felt like a few time we have had a little left over with our little guy once he was off formula. He is too young for activities. But now that I am thinking about it... we probably don’t. Between daycare, diapers, zoo and children’s museum trips, and the groceries we wouldn’t normally buy I think we probably use it all almost every month. I just don’t track it all separately. Like all our groceries go into our budget every month. I don’t think our per diem changes for age though. But I KNOW we wouldn’t have any left over with older kids with school supplies, field trips, activities etc.

@UnePetiteAmie

4 жыл бұрын

AND the kiddos that have come to us with only the clothes on their back. They needed EVERYTHING, clothes, personal care products, a blanket or stuffed animal etc. If we take a little guy it usually takes us 2 months of per diem to make up what we pay upfront. Especially if we needed another car seat!

I’m from England and I have 2 friends from care and one of my friends parents foster, I’ve only ever heard horror stories tbh, my 2 friends were loved around a lot and the foster careers would often be very cold and distant, then another had foster parents who made her basically leave the house all day eg.”I don’t want you sitting in the house go for a walk and come back at 5” from the time she woke up, and this was basically every weekend. And then the foster carer told her social worker that she was stealing when she was threatened to tell her social worker what had been happening. Now my other mates parent is also a foster carer and my mate says she does it to make money and doesn’t even enjoy it. My ex sister in law adopted kids and she is taking out a case against the foster carers they were with before hand, for the poor care they gave, they had a shit diet, and no exercise, the foster brother who was only 8 was taking out the kids to the park and they were under 5, the were also missing a lot of things and were also meant to have swimming lessons which the local authority was paying for but the carers never took them. It’s just a shambles really.

@phoenixmoon3

4 жыл бұрын

Those are not foster carerers. They re doing it for the wrong reasons and i hope your friends find good loving forever homes.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

And this is why we have this channel. So we can inspire true foster parents to be the best version of themselves to support the kids in care.

First let me say, you guys are amazing and really teaching others with your videos. I was wondering if you have had other foster kids besides Miss A? If so do you have videos on them. Thank you

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, there are a couple of videos from our first foster daughter that you can find!

was just thinking about you guys and why i hadn't seen your videos in awhile but now i see that i haven't been subscribed this whole time 😂😭

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

💔 glad you are now! ❤️

@Roseisababe111

4 жыл бұрын

Be The Village me too, i'm so glad i realized

If you have a 0-4 or so aged child, is there separate financial resources for childcare during the day if needed? Whether it be part time or full time.

Example Per Diem $22.00 × 30 days =$660 per month for that particular child. Hypothetically 2 children with the same per diem and length of stay is $660×2=$1,320 for 2 kids per month.

My aunt fostered 8 at a time and made a killing off the kids. They provided very little for them. She did end up adopting all of them. Not sure if she continued to get money for all the kids she adopted. It is sad. The kids ended up really broken.

@terriyakesh4862

4 жыл бұрын

The Chronic Illness Diaries they don’t get paid after they adopt so that just doesn’t make sense

I adopted my first foster child, who was handicapped. Then we had 30 more placements. They were usually 2 or 3 days old. I had three teens of my own but I loved my babies. I never made any money after buying diapers and clothes. I miss them❤️

@sarahj8735

4 жыл бұрын

Shirley Hassenzahl I used to work for a program where we placed disabled children and adults into foster care. I have a special place in my heart for intellectual/developmentally disabled individuals. How beautiful and inspirational that you fostered over 30 placements! ❤️

The Kroger grocery store near me has Hello Fresh kits.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

How cool!

I 100% agree. However, from another perspective every time someone finds out that I am a foster parent they tell me about someone that they know who “just does it for the money”. After awhile I started feeling defensive because I have never made money. I take only teens. Many come with the clothes on their backs and I don’t get any payment for about a month. They need clothes and school supplies ASAP. So foster parents often start at a deficit, and for those who go to a family member just as payments begin the deficit is never balanced when you consider many other expenses. Food is the largest expense for teens. Unbelievable! Lol They get a once in a lifetime clothing allowance but most have used that many foster placements ago. Teens do not feel “normal” unless they are wearing the clothes and name brands that everyone else is wearing. They need new clothes almost every season. Since becoming a foster parent my savings account has depleted instead of grown. On top of that because of Covid expenses increased and I had to homeschool them. Yet the biological parents received the Covid relief for children. So because I am a single retired woman with my own home...people assume I am making a killing off of these kids. BTW I only take 2 at a time so that they can have their own bedrooms. I don’t fill every room with a couple of bunkbeds so that I can “make more money”, and if there is a particular issue with one I won’t even take a second until it is worked out. Yet...that comment and the innuendos continue. I just hate that foster parent’s motives are suspicious to so many. BUT IT IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT THAT IF YOU ARE MAKING MONEY YOU AREN’T DOING IT RIGHT. Great video!

You sound like a good foster family. too bad their not more like you in iowa.

Yesssss!!! 🖐 🤚. You guys seriously deserve a million subs or more. This content is so important!! I would like to suggest a future topic having been a caseworker...it might he informative to do a video regarding TFC (Therapeutic Foster Care) versus “regular” foster care. Many people don’t know that TFC is a thing. My county agency when I was a caseworker started around the end of October obtaining lists for Christmas and shopping for the kids in care. We also tried our best to help any family we serviced whose kids weren’t in care but they were having financial issues around that time too. We also did the school supplies for all the kids of the families, in care or not in care every August ! AND SORRY TO WRITE A NOVEL but I have seen so many videos sponsored by Hello Fresh and I am not kidding when I say you two did the best job because out of all the years I have watched them, this is the first time I have seriously considered trying it! I am a single mom to two very busy teenagers and we are running around so much throughout the week. It would sure take some pressure off meal planning!

@sharonbeauford7398

4 жыл бұрын

Jennifer Lynne I believe they ran into a situation with their first foster and TFC. Whitney and John did touch on the difference between a TFC home and a normal foster placement. I’m sure when they read your idea it will cause a discussion.

@JenniferLynne

4 жыл бұрын

Sharon Beauford thanks. I wasn’t sure if it had been discussed or not.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

We absolutely hope our channel continues to grow so we can get this message out there!! And honestly, now that we are in a groove with HelloFresh it is a lifesaver. Also, miss A comes from a home with a very good cook in the family.... and we are not lol. So it helps us really try some delicious stuff!

Do you still have room for another foster child? Because I remember before you had Miss A join you, you said something about having like two beds or something....so just wondering if you could take in another child at this point would you? Also if you have not been asked to take in another kid do you think they (the foster agency)try not to place more than one kid per family (unless like maybe they place some siblings together) Hope this question makes sense...

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

At this time... We would only take in one of her siblings if it came up which is not something that is likely.

Not video related, but I watch all your videos and think you two are amazing parents! But I was just watching the Super Bowl and saw the hilarious Cheetos Popcorn commercial and thought of Miss A’s love of the hot Cheetos! I hope you guys enjoyed that one as much as I did! 🤣🏈

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

I laughed at that one too, nudged her... she wasn’t amused lol

@supersparkley123

4 жыл бұрын

Be The Village haha! 🤣

Do these amounts exceed child grants for bioparents?

I’m not sure if you have ever discussed this before, but how do you go about finding an agency when you begin the whole process of fostering? I’m seeing a lot of people say going with an agency is the way to go instead of county.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

It’s one of our early videos!

When you say “private agency” does that include nonprofit organizations? Or would a nonprofit be a public agency

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Great question... I do not know but I believe they are non profit, the private agencies

Hi I love your videos. My husband and I are thinking about doing respite care intially. We both work full-time and have 2 kids ..3 yr old girl,8 yr old son..I see you foster teens ,what do you think about birth order. You have opened me up to idea of teenager..

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

I know people have strong opinions on birth order.... we haven’t had the issue. It may be because we started our kids out young so it’s all that they will know. We will revisit it with each kid who comes into our home depending on the age of our bios. Thank you for being open to fostering teens ❤️

On one hand I see how important it is for family to have that extra income to support their foster child(ren), On the other hand I see how money corrupts families into doing foster care specifically for the extra income and they don't use it wisely. How do you think this gap could be bridged? Do you think families that do this for the money should have their license taken away? I just feel bad for kids who get stuck in bad homes who are not fostering for the right reason. That breaks my heart. Also wondering why foster children have to be moved from home to home so often.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Lots of great questions and difficult to answer via type but I appreciate your heart and compassion and wanting to solve the problems of the system ❤️

I’m in the process of getting my foster care license for ages 0-5yr olds , Any advice or o you just foster teenagers?

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Right now our experience is only teens. Best of luck to you!! Keep us posted on how it goes ❤️

How is it decided which kids end up in the county foster care system vs the private foster care systems?

@rachellesmith4726

4 жыл бұрын

dancer4evr1000 ?

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Just based on the right fit. If the child is best suited with a family, they will go with county or private. Though I think county may have a preference? Not sure.

We just started the process and super excited to help children in need.

Can you get a child or a toddler from a different country? If so, would they be giving you money for them ? And if I later on choose to adopt them would it be possible?

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

I don’t believe so

@Arlylife

4 жыл бұрын

Be The Village oh okay 👌 thank you I just wanted to know because I have always seen videos of other foster parent with different kids from many different countries that all.

Do you get food stamps for Miss. A?

Also let say I have a foster child and the parents lost their parental rights and the agency ask me if I would like to adopt the child would I have to pay? Sorry if U don’t know what I mean

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

I do know what you’re asking, depends on the area but yes. The fee is much smaller than regular adoption though. Many people foster to adopt with goals of adoption due to cost.

@Arlylife

4 жыл бұрын

Be The Village oh okay!

I have a friend whose daughter has been placed in therapeutic foster parent’s home. They are getting more money based on the level. The foster mom keeps calling her for something weekly like deodorant or razors. Is this supposed to be happening? It just seems like they should be providing basics at this point.

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Not sure where you are located but that doesn't sound right.

@buriedtobloomhere8958

4 жыл бұрын

Be The Village thank you. I didn’t either. It’s North Carolina for informational purposes. I know that isn’t where you are so I just wondered how it sounded to someone in your position of being the foster parent. Thanks again. Love watching you and your family.

Why did I not know you lived in Cincinnati 😂 GO REDS!!!

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

Heck yeah, GO REDS!

Hey Witney did you get your amazon order I emailed you with the order number hope you eventually got them Sarah Mccullough

@BeTheVillageCommunity

4 жыл бұрын

We did!!! Video is being put together to share it all so stay tuned ❤️❤️❤️❤️ you are a superhero!!

@sarahmccullough1100

4 жыл бұрын

Be The Village that’s fantastic I can relax now I know you got it after them not being able to deliver it first time, can’t wait to see the video x

Too bad there are so many that don't do it right.... :0(

Is sadly though, not all foster parents are doing it right. A lot of them are in it for the money. And what I mean by that, is that the money they get to care for the child they do not spend on the child. It gets spent on them or their biological kids while the foster child sits there in dirty, old, holey, doesn't fit clothes.

@cottonmillcondominium8845

3 жыл бұрын

That's disgusting! 😞

@candicehenderson1289

3 жыл бұрын

@@cottonmillcondominium8845 it really is

You don’t get “PAID” to be a foster parent. You get reimbursed for food, utilities, the space in your house, the extra gas to drive to therapy, doctors etc, and the extra admissions for movies, zoos, ice skating, etc. Foster kids, frequently, do not come with very many clothes, so a new wardrobe is necessary. Sometimes a few ratty, dirty or smelly clothes and no hair supplies or toiletries. Fosters get paid in the satisfaction of helping a child be supported and loved through a very hard time.

Younger kids could require more funds for child care

@BabyTXGrl

4 жыл бұрын

most states pay for child care for a foster child as long as the parents are working

@samilynn9516

4 жыл бұрын

I'm in Ohio as well and going through the process of becoming a foster parent ATM. I am no expert, but it's my understandi g thus far that Ohio does Not pay for child care!

@agonicole

4 жыл бұрын

And formula

@airiellelewis1109

4 жыл бұрын

I am researching but so far I don't think my state does either

Not enough if you’re doing it right

This vid is a bit old... but i had watched if u choose private that means u r going for money.

@ajsouth8827

3 жыл бұрын

So u went for private agency?

@BeTheVillageCommunity

3 жыл бұрын

Not true, private foster agencies typically have more support for the foster families and kids. We are contacted weekly about events or opportunities or places to go to get clothing or donations. It’s not the money.