Saturday, October 02, 1999
Money error adds to stress for foster parents
DHS confirms overpayments
BY DAN KLEPAL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Carolyn Strattman became a foster parent 10 years ago because she saw children who needed her.
The Lincoln Court woman receives about $25 per day for each child under her care, but Ms. Strattman says dipping in to her pocket to buy extra toys or clothes is routine.
Now Hamilton County is asking her, and more than 100 other foster parents to dip a little deeper.
The county's Department of Human Services (DHS) realized last week that it has overpaid foster parents more than $140,000 since 1996.
After spending this week reviewing records, DHS officials confirmed Friday that 107 current foster parents were overpaid a total of $58,971 the past three years.
DHS still hasn't reviewed overpayments of nearly 100 foster parents no longer in the system, but believe they total around $90,000.
Ms. Strattman, who owes $843.16, says she'll repay the money. But she thinks the county should take responsibility for its mistake, and consider out-of-pocket expenses foster parents take on.
“You can never get enough money to be a foster parent,” Ms. Strattman said. “They take one kid out and put another one in, so you use the money when it comes.
“I'm still buying clothes for one child who was taken out of my house six months ago, because he doesn't have enough.”
Cynthia Cephas, of Oakley, has cared for 22 foster children in 14 years. Now the county will hit her up for about $120 in overpayments.
Ms. Cephas said DHS officials will get an earful when they call.
DHS asked Ms. Cephas to care for a teen-age boy with emotional problems. She reluctantly agreed.
The boy punched holes in the walls, damaged a banister and tore up a closet door before he was removed, Ms. Cephas said.
“DHS doesn't want to discuss the damage,” Ms. Cephas said. “I took that $120 and fixed my banister and bought a new closet door. And it cost me a lot more than $120.”
Mindy Good, a spokeswoman for DHS, said the agency will be as understanding as possible. With a severe shortage of foster parents, the county can't afford to lose any because of a small debt.
The overpayments happened because of slow paperwork. Overpayments confirmed Friday range from 10 cents to $3,770.
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