In 2002 I was approached by DCF Protective Services asking me to take in my sister's children. They explained and gave me in writing that the state had a special program that would shelter the financial burden of the 4 children it was called "The Relative Caregiver Program". So being the good aunt and concerned citizen I agreed to take the children into my home until my sister could complete her case plan. Well I was given exactly $342.00 per month AFDC to provide for 4 teen aged childrens needs. Yes I was given food stamps and they did have medicaid but $342.00. When I asked the protective services case worker about the relative caregiver program I was told it would come. Well of course it never did. When I asked the food stamp worker about it I was told I was not entitled to it because I was getting AFDC. Really $342.00 a month for 4 children. Foster Parents are paid welllll above a mere $342.00 a month I know some of my family did foster care at the time. I told the food stamp case worker that I was going to go to the press with my documentation I was then told it was under review and I would be approved shortly. The Relative Care Giver Program is a scam to get relatives to take children so that the state does not have to pay for foster care. I was lied to from the first moment the protective services investigator came to my home. For 3 years I went over the same situation time and time again and with the same result... Lies... Lies... LIES You see once they place the children they really don't care how their needs other than food and medical are met. I depleted my retirement and had to pay a healthy penalty for early withdraw just to buy clothes, shoes, tolietries and such.
The state of florida was 100% responsible for all needs of those children which they removed but did not in the least part stand up to their responsiblity. I was told at the beginning of this year"well on the back of your letters from DCF it states you can file for a hearing: yes it does but when DCF and protective services are both telling you it is being taken care of like an idot I believed them. This is what our tax dollars pay for... No wonder so many relatives say NO they cannot afford to foot the bill that the state of florida is suppose to be paying. Everyone concerned with my case should be fired and proscuted.
Ct
tampa, florida
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