need help for pregnant teen (shop, safe, to move)

[refade]

Ophidian14, Please excuse me if I don't understand what you're trying to say. Early in this thread Calidreemer gave me some valuable information about Early Head Start. There is no Early Head Start program in my area, but many of the childcare facilities are government subsidized which offer the same help to teen moms who want to stay in high school. These programs take into account the teen's income and do not consider the parent's income. Without these types of programs many teens would have to drop out of school in order to take care of their child and probably end up utilizing many more government subsidized programs. As it was explained to me (because I'm not the kind of person who would willingly accept government help) this is an opportunity (one that we would not otherwise be able to afford) a government scholarship of sorts, that allows for my child to remain in high school for the betterment of herself and her child.

[samma]

I worked in a daycare like this while I was in high school. It was $1 a day if the student worked in the daycare for 1.5 hours a day 5 days a week or $5 a day for those who didn't work. They are an amazing help to young women.

[EEEPNJ]

I do not know how I stumbled upon this thread, but I did. And everything happens for a reason. Refade, I can't say I know what you and your family have been going through, but I commend you for doing all that you can for your child. I wish you the best.

Ophidian 14, I hope you were not placing judgement. Not all teen moms are celebrities or politician's children, a lot are just regular kids who need a hand to get through a tough time. Refade, you are right, if she does not finish school, her life and that of her child will be much harder. Finishing school will allow her to be productive and maybe even help others in the same situation in the future.

[Calidreemer]

Refrade she will be able to get the subsidy if she is in college or a trade school as well. Also, relatives and friends are eligible for payment through the subsidy. I don't remember exactly if that excludes grandparents, aunts and uncles, but I think it may. Check with Cook County Resource and Referral for the details on this. It sometimes helps provide an incentive to the care taker to follow through. We had lots of teens who struggled with finding reliable interim childcare (during times centers were closed) and having some form of payment helped increase the reliability. The rate is pretty low - like a little over $8 an hour, but every bit counts right? This can also help fill in child care gaps like on weekends if she chooses to get a part time job to help pay for expenses, just remember that income will be counted in the subsidy - as long as she doesn't earn more than $17K or so she will be eligible.

I hope those migranes go away - I get them from time to time and I would go nuts if I couldn't take something for them when they come on. Have a great night!

[Ophidian14]

Originally Posted by refade

Ophidian14, Please excuse me if I don't understand what you're trying to say.

You said your daughter's kid was going to government-subsidized daycare. As a taxpayer, I was saying you are welcome for me providing this service to you.

Originally Posted by Calidreemer

just remember that income will be counted in the subsidy - as long as she doesn't earn more than $17K or so she will be eligible.

I fail to understand how a policy like this would encourage people to get better jobs.

[refade]

That's what I thought you were saying - but I am a taxpayer too. And I have put my time, money and energies into my work just like you have, and sometimes I have felt the government uses my money frivolously. But this is a service the government provides that really works. A policy that helps kids stay in school, can only encourage a child to get a better job. Because income increases the higher the education you receive. Without a high school diploma, my daughter would never be able to get anything higher than a minimum wage job. The goal is to make more than 17k a year and be better in everything she does as a young parent and a taxpayer.

[Calidreemer]

Refrade I wanted to correct myself, I think the only relative not eligible for payment through the subsidy would be the biological parent.

Ophidian I think it's wonderful that there is subsidized childcare out there for people who need it. This allows children to get into quality childcare settings where the child is safe and allows the parent piece of mind while they are at work and the child is getting what they need. In my experience, the people who are working and using the subsidy are not the ones you need to concern yourself with, it's the ones who don't want to work and take advantage of programs (which is why public aid has a cap of two years now) and those who commit fraud.

I would rather see the government subsidize childcare than some of the other things they are currently subsidizing! I am a tax payer too and believe me they get a lot from me and my husband - Dual Income No Kids! Our home and donations are the only tax break we get, so I don't want people abusing systems put in place to help those who really need it either. I just don't think it's fair to make sweeping generalizations. Refrade's daughter and unborn grandchild are the perfect examples of who subsidized childcare is supposed to help.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Ophidian14

I fail to understand how a policy like this would encourage people to get better jobs.

It doesn't. It encourages children to get an education, so that they can make money and take care of their child.

[refade]

I know this thread is mostly about my daughter's pregnancy, but I have come to think of you as friends. If you can, please keep my mother in your prayers today. On Tuesday morning she fell as she was getting into her wheelchair from her bed. She broke her right hip and is in a lot of pain. She will be having surgery sometime today to repair it. They have to remove the broken bone and replace it with a prosthetic. I firmly beleive in the power of prayer and people, so I'm asking that you keep her in your thoughts today. Thanks
Refade

[aragx6]

Please send along my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery. I can't imagine the kind of pain she must be in, but I can only hope that she will be alright.

This must, too, be such a difficult time for you refade! I really respect your outlook on life, and hope that things go better in the future for you.