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Step 1
Medical Care for Foster KidsEvery state offers free medical and mental-health coverage through the Department of Behavioral Health Services until the child is 18. But as many foster parents know such services does not always fulfill the child's medical needs. To find extra medical services for foster children contact the local health department, non profit hospital, or for school aged children the school nurse. The school nurse is a great advocate to have when searching for extra medical care because they have contacts with local doctors that may be able to donate their services. They are also very effective in helping win a case with family services if need be.
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Step 2
Dental Care for Foster kids.Regular Dental Care for Foster kids can be paid for by the regular medical assistance given to all foster kids under the age of 18. This coverage does not always cover things that many of the kids need like braces and restorative surgery for missing or badly decayed perminate teeth. Children with dental problems can develop low self esteem and hygiene problems. To find extra help, go directly to dental clinics and ask about help for foster children. You may have to call a couple offices, but many times they can get the fee that is not covered by medicaid reduced or forgiven. The Counties Department Of Health can also be of help by letting you know what dentists have helped foster children in the past.
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Step 3
Most foster kids receive a yearly allowance of a couple hundred dollars to pay for clothing. Many foster parents realize that growing kids may need more then this to keep clothed. In some cases when buying clothing for a special event such as prom, the allowance can be used in one setting. For help to get clothes until the clothing allowance arrive or to make the funds last contact the local untied way or salvation army. Many communities run prom dress drives to help foster kids have dresses when they attend formal affair. Most foster care coordinators will be able to tell you were the local event will take place. If your child was unable to find a dress at the event or there was not a drive in your community consider contacting places of businesses that may donate or let your child borrow a dress. Wedding gown and second hand formal wear businesses are great targets for finding a dress to borrow. The local good will or salvation army are also good at helping find dresses by searching their store and calling other stores.
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Step 4
Cash Assistance for Extracurricular Activities.Playing chess, participating in the boy or girl scouts, getting piano lessons, and receiving voice lessons can be a great type of therapy that is much needed for many foster children but the cost may not be affordable for many foster families. First find out if the program offers scholarships. Many companies or organizations will offer part or full scholarships to foster and low income children. If not contact area charities and groups that support children actives such as boys and girls club, YMCA, or Boys and Girl Scouts of America.
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Step 5
Back To School SuppliesSchool supplies can be a huge expense for a foster family, especially in a house with more then one school aged child. Many charities help foster and other low income kids return to school by buying supplies for them in time to go to school. To find more information on where to go for school supplies at the start of the school year all you need to do is contact the local school district or the Division of Family services. However, finding school supplies for children that come in the middle of the school year that does not have any supplies may be a little more difficult. The first place to go would be to contact the school, many times schools will keep a supply closet of extra supplies that may have not been given away yet. Other places to try is the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club of America, and larger YMCA's.
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Step 6
College Scholarships for Foster Kids older then 18.Education after high school can make all the difference in many foster children's life. Many scholarships are available to help a foster child that wants to extend their education by going to college or a technical school. After the child fills out a federal student aid applicant they should also look into other scholarships such as aid for first generation students and Orphan Foundation of America. The best list I found was at onwardandupwards.org.
