Hi sub saharan vjrs. I post this in the AOS forum but didnt get the quick response I usually get with you guys. I thought maybe I could get some advice or maybe were I can even look for the information.

Would it look bad for aos case if i was to get legal custody of my nieces and nephews and get financial aid for them? My husband hasnt gotten his ead yet and so he cant help with finances and its really getting to him. There are 7 children and I only make about 1800 net a month, so if i was to get them I would need aid but im afraid it will mess up our AOS case because Im supposed be able to be financially responisble for my husband at this point.

If you don't meet the income requirements for a family of 9 (holy cow! be blessed girl) then you could get a co-sponsor, like a family member. That would definitely help.

If you get financial aid for your nieces and nephews you *may* be able to claim that as income when you file AOS for your husband. I'm not really sure about that.

It is not going to look bad on your case though.

thank you for such a fast reply. this situation is really getting to me, but I love them and want to make sure they are stable. but im afraid if it will really mess up aos situation.

Don't think about it that way. Stay positive and find a way to make it work out. Talk to your family about who might be willing to sign on as a co-sponsor then it's a non-issue. As long as you and/or you and a co-sponsor meet the income requirements, they won't care how many children you are fostering in your home.

Another thought: The form doesn't have any place for gov't support or even child support for that matter. But if you are fostering the children, I don't think they are considered your dependents. They are considered dependents of the state and you are caring for them on behalf of the state. If that is the case, you don't have to list them on your I864 because it asks for dependents.

wow zain that would be cool about the foster issue I better check that out. I do try to keep positive but it makes me sad its come to this.

Keep your head up! You've made it through worse.

I agree. you are doing a noble thing and I am not surprised that your hubby is being supportive of your family. That is very indicative of the culture

You are going to be okay...God will make a way for you. mama!

Without knowing the specifics to your situation..its difficult to know the answer to your question. I work in Social Services, and there's a difference between obtaining "legal custody" and "foster care" Foster care varies by state, but usually has similar criteria. A child placed into the foster care system has been legally removed from the parent(s) by the state. It has been before a judge and been ruled upon. Usually if the child is removed by the state and placed with a family member it is a "temporary guardianship" for a period of time. If the family wishes to have permanent guardianship then it must go before the judge again. Usually there is no financial compensation for family placement. Foster families are licensed by the state and must adhere to the regulations and requirements in order to be certified to care for foster children. They receive a modest monthly payment for the care they provide.

If you mean can you apply for "public assistance" to care for the children...then that is another issue. I would assume that if they are legally yours, they would be considered dependents...and if you need public assistance to care for them, then it would not meet the requirements of the affidavit of support, and you would need a co-sponser. (I don't think public assistance payments would be enough to meet the level for 9 family members)

I hope this helped...You would really have to find out the laws for your state, and also what the public assistance payment would be for 7 kids. I would suggest being careful tho..Getting a co-sponser would be your best bet I think.

Good Luck,
Eb

Thank you ebony. We want them until my bro and his wife are stable but we cant afford to clothe and feed them all without help and my sister in law is not using the resources she receives for them to help us. she will bring a fraction of what the state gives her and even then we have to call a hundred times. I dont want extra money I just want what is theres to go to them fully. Thank you for you input it is valuable. Thank you all I knew I could count on you

Sounds like they are commiting fraud if they are receiving money for the kids, but are not actually caring for them. Tread very carefully, as you do not need to be in the middle of an illegal situation that may come back to bite you later. (Their judgement doesnt sound very responsible and you wouldnt want them to somehow jepardize your husband's status.. I've seen an angry relative make false allegations and bring undo drama and problems) Hope it all works out...for the kids sake.

Eb