- 11 -
board rate covers the cost of the child's food,
personal care items, allowance as well as his share of
the cost of shelter, household incidentals,
furnishings, family recreation and transportation
related to shopping, church, school or family
recreational activities.
The Foster Parent Manual also specifically designates that a
foster child's allowance "is to be taken out of the monthly board
rate." Additionally, the Monroe County Department of Social
Services Foster Boarding Home Rate Schedule provides that the
board rate "includes the cost of shelter, food, personal care,
household furnishings and operations, education and recreation,
transportation and parent supervision." Further, as stated by
respondent on brief:
[Monroe] County's reimbursement rates for foster
parents are carefully calculated and designed to
reimburse foster parents for the reasonable costs of
caring for their foster children, including shelter,
utilities, and other general household expenses.
[Emphasis added.]
We must agree with petitioner wife that all the attendant
expenses associated with raising a foster child are simply not
covered by governmental funds. We also observe that petitioners
are exceptional individuals. Even though they are relatively
affluent, they have the generosity to undertake the care of those
less fortunate.
Concerning the special allowances payments, the Foster
Parent Manual states that special allowances "reimburse foster
parents for the cost of attire, activities/events, transportation
or special items which enhance a foster child's self esteem,
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next
Last modified: May 25, 2011