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Registered member: I have a DCP who was recently out of work. She just started back (oh, 2 months ago maybe) and has not declared it to DSS because she will lose her assistance (she's a nurse) or it will be severely decreased. That's fine, I'm getting paid so I can't really complain there. However, I received documents in the mail over the weekend asking me to certify attendance and verifying my information so mom can continue to get funding. This means it's her recert time and I know she lied on the paperwork. Had to. I gave the paperwork I filled out to DCP at drop-off and asked her to sign her portion. She proceeded to cross out what my current rate is for her child and ask that I put it as $15 more per day because she "heard" reimbursements went up and she wants to pay a smaller copay. In my mind I'm thinking, "lady, you have it better than most of my assistant children, and you have the audacity to ask for me to LIE for you, when really you should be declaring your current income?" I kindly told her that I could not do that because I have other assistance children and my rates are on file. She got really huffy and stormed out complaining that no one wants to help a single mom. Really, woman? Are you kidding me??
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Yes, you are getting paid for now. However, when the state finds out that they have been paying you when DCM should have been, they will likely take that money back from you, leaving you to try to collect from DCM. I would NOT let this continue one more day. And, you were right to let DCM know that you declare your rate to Child Care Services and that you can not alter it for her. You risk your very livelihood if you let her bring you into her fraud.Comment
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All of my parents except 2 receive state assistance and I keep out of it. In my state if the government comes back for the money it will be against the parent.
With that being said I did get involved 1 time. The state was paying the full bill for 4 kids while the mom job searched since she was on cash assistance. She lied and said she didn't know where the father was when he actually lived with her. I left it alone for a while but after a week she stopped job searching and the state called to ask me if I knew what she was doing all day because they couldn't get ahold of her. I told them exactly what I knew - She lives 6 blocks up the same street and we see her and the father hanging out on the front porch while we are going to the park regularly. They say hi to the kids and we keep it moving
It does seem wrong for he parent to ask you to lie but you shouldn't assume she wouldn't qualify just because she is a nurse. I made $18 and got another almost $400 a month in child support and still qualified because I have 3 kids.Comment
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I definitely feel really uncomfortable participating in her fraud and I will tell her so. Also, while I don't know that her assistance will be cut completely, I do know that it will at least go down considerably because I had the kid before she was laid off and the assistance was much less. Plus, when she was hired her daycare hours changed so she and I had the uncomfortable conversation about her copays and how they will be affected by her new job. She flat out said she hadn't (at that time) recertified so they won't be affected, but if they find out she's making $21/hr she will likely lose it because it's more than she made before. That was about two months ago. She only has one young child and her oldest is 10 but lives primarily with dad so IDK how that figures in for her income declaration. In all honesty, I know I sound judgemental, and maybe I am. I just know that I had a family this summer who had to stop coming because dad got a promotion and they no longer qualified for assistance. Mom is in school full time to become a teacher and dad works almost around the clock. They are a hard working family that NEED the assistance and because funds are limited, they were disqualified. They paid for daycare because it was necessary, but I saw how it affected them financially. I was actually a bit relieved when the baby got a slot at the college daycare because financial aid or some sort of grant covers most of it. I just dislike the injustice.Comment
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She is sadly the norm and not the exception. I have been asked over and over by state moms to put down inflated numbers etc. Won't do it....which makes them answer in much the same way ......"no help for single moms" etc. I have only met a few who are actually grateful to receive benefits. Most of them just hold out their hand and expect it to be filled.Comment
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So sick of hearing the single mom excuse constantly. And everywhere. I know SO MANY people who open every conversation up with "I'm a single mom so... such and such." So what? With all the government resources available, you have way more money than most double income households - get a life.
I'd report and term.Comment
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This is not the norm here but I suppose this could vary by state. They will go after the parent who was committing fraud, not the provider if there was nothing illegal done by them. I have been paid by 2 subsidy programs and both actually state my funding is guaranteed unless I receive a notice stating otherwise. That's like saying that if someone gets food stamps fraudulently and the gov't takes the money back from the store. No, they go after the recipient for fraud for the amount they have received. I know someone who had to pay back food stamps benefits for not claiming her boyfriends income.
But as a formerly single parent who received childcare assistance and played by the rules, I don't think it's something I would get involved in. I would even consider terming over that.Comment
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For REALS.
I have a "friend" on FB. (more of a high school acquaintance) She has a 1 1/2 year old little girl. She does not work (hasn't since I have been friends with her) and she lives by herself with the girl. I have often wondered how on earth she is surviving because it seems that the Dad is not helping. I'm guessing she is living off of the government/her parents.
Well anyway, last week she posted something along the lines of, "Sophia is off with my parents until Thursday!! I will miss her sooo much but its time for a Mommy vacation!"
I almost died of laughter when someone commented, "Vacation?? You don't even work, why would you need a vacation??"
:::: I wanted to message that person sooo bad!
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In my state, we are required to notify the assistance program if a parent stops working and/or we become aware of their unemployment.
I'd report it. I feel this falls under the obligation of being a licensed child care provider/mandated reporter role.
I have in my contract that I will report a parent if I ever feel they are abusing the assistance program and/or defrauding it.
You could be risking your ability to continue being paid through your assistance program if you are part of this moms fraudulent actions.
Simply being aware and not reporting could be considered an accomplice...kwim?
Personally, I would NEVER risk that.Comment
I would report, too.
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