[contrary1]

Having been a foster parent for over 30 years, I'm more than aware of different views on this subject. I'm currently a recruiter for new foster parents in my county & several of us have been discussing just this.........Fostering as added income.

All my kids have always had more than most kids. Primarily because I'm more than frugal. And, as the years went on, I had a network of friends & businesses that assisted with my household and the needs of the kids.

States don't pay really well for basic foster care. You need to be a magician to make the numbers work out at the end of the month. I've NOT been paid sometimes either, and had the state comptroller call me and ask "do you really NEED the money??" Duh.

But, the theraputic foster care payments are large enough, they allow one or both parents to stay home & become paid Professional Parents. Different story entirely. You do get a salary this way and the kids needs are always met . These kids are the ones I've taken for the last couple decades, hard, hard work!!! I couldn't have managed another job with them. The constant calls from schools, extra medical & counseling appointments, there would be no way I could have fit in another thing, let alone a job.

I have seen people try to take advantage of the system and the kids suffer from the shortages. But, few & far between in our state at this point. Caseworkers are hyper dilligent now, too much so in many cases. We're loosing licensed homes quicker than we can get new ones on board. This isn't good for the kids either.

Definately a soap box topic for me...................pushing all my hot buttons at once!