2008-09-23T15:55:18Z opencongress.org tag:opencongress.org,2007:/bill/comments/43509 2008-09-23T15:55:18Z tag:opencongress.org,2008-09-23:/comment/40778 JHENRY My Husband and I are in our late 60's raising 3 grandchildren who came to us for DPSS as abused and neglected children. We have had a home study by the local ICPC DPSS and have been fingerprinted and well as our daughter and her family. We were getting foster care from Social Services in Virginia and the minute we were given custody of the children were cut off from any and all financial help. California gave the children Medical, which we were greatful for. We were told the only benefit we could get is as non needy relative through CalWorks. This payment for the 3 children is $711 per month. The ages are 7 10 and 16. We first got the children at age 3 7 and 12. We are greatful for the $711 but this does not cover the cost of food let alone clothing, school activities and entertainment. We have gone through our savings and now are half way through our retirement. We do not get that much for social security but that helps also. We received California Guardianship in August, 2006. The children were with us 1 year prior to getting physical custody in 2005 and then legal custody was granted in 2006. We really need help. We worry about being able to financially take care of the children until they turn 18. The cost of living has soared. Our electric bill was $269 this month and propane was $195. This is on top of our mortgage, gasoline and other monthly payments. Others get this help but we have been denied. The illegals get more benefits then my grandchildren. Any information and help would be greatly appreciated. Herb and Jessica Henry We are sending Hillary Clinton a copy of e-mails we have written in getting help with finances for our grandchildren along with a CD they KinCare group wrote and recorded depicting how greatful and how relieved they were being able to live with relatives and taken out of the horrible life they were living. Herb and Jessica Henry