How can I stay informed about my child's academic progress?
Most schools offer parents an online portal where they can monitor their child's progress. You can contact your child's school for information on how to access the portal. As a foster caregiver, you are entitled to have access to this system.
Where can I get basic information about the special education process?
You can find basic informaion about special education on the Arizona Department of Education's website: https://www.azed.gov/specialeducation
What is an Individual Education Program (IEP)?
Any child who qualifies for special education services has an IEP. The IEP is a plan tailored specifically to the individual child's needs. The IEP is intended to help the child succeed in the classroom. IEP's are created with input from teachers, counselors, parents, and the student. For more information, you can visit the Arizona Department of Education's website: https://www.azed.gov/specialeducationÂ
What is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP?
A 504 plan provides the student with accommodations in their current classrooms. IEPs provide special education services outside of their current classroom.
For details about qualifying disabilities and other differences between 504 plans and IEPs, review A Parent and Educator Guide to Section 504 from the U.S. Department of Education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/504-resource-guide-201612.pdf
What financial resources are available to me?
All unlicensed kinship caregivers will automatically receive a $75 monthly stipend per child. For questions on this, please contact your DCS Specialist, or the DCS Warmline at 1-877-543-7633, Option 3.
What financial resources are available to me? TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Cash Assistance will be awarded to any non-licensed foster family in most cases, regardless of the family’s income. The benefit will be based on the child(ren) being in foster care. A family is not eligible for this reimbursement in addition to the licensed foster care reimbursement. Ensure that the application notes that the family is an unlicensed foster parent. The DCS Case Manager must assist the family with the submission of the application.
More info on TANF can be found here, https://dcs.az.gov/foster-and-adoption/kinship-resources
What financial resources are available to me? Foster Care Reimbursement
You can learn about the different financial resources available for foster parents through DCS's Go-To Guide. You can find the guide here: https://dcs.az.gov/foster-and-adoption/gotoguide
What financial resources are available to me? WIC
For information on WIC, please visit: https://azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic/
What financial resources are available to me? SSI
For information on Social Security Income (SSI) benefits, please visit: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/
Where can I find help for my utilities?
For utility assistance, please visit the Arizona Department of Economic Security at: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/shelter-housing/utility-assistance
What if my child damages my property or my neighbor's property?
Liability coverage may be available under certain circumstances through the state's Provider Indemnity Program. You can find more information here.
Where can I get information about TANF?
Your DCS Specialist can assist you with obtaining TANF benefits. You can find more information here.
Does the state provide any financial assistance to help care for children in foster care?
Yes. There are funds available to care for the children, based on the child's level of need. Â Additionally, allowances may be provided for specific occasions and needs. Â The Go-To Guide explains more about the funds that may be available to you: https://dcs.az.gov/foster-and-adoption/gotoguide
What is the Children's Heart Gallery?
The Children’s Heart Gallery is designed to increase the visibility of children in foster care in need of a family. For more information, please visit https://www.childrensheartgallery.org/
What is foster care and adoption?
Foster care is a temporary situation where you care for a child who cannot safely remain at home. As a foster parent, you need to keep in mind that the primary goal is for the child in your home to return to their own home. You will be expected to support this goal (which is also known as a case plan goal) of reunification.
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