I know of a couple who went through the PRIDE class and spent money to make their home ready for foster children. They took time out of their lives to go to these classes as well as go through a Level 2 Background check and extensive personal background check. Their home was inspected by the Health Dept at their expense. The day came for their Home Study and they were ready and excited to have this step in their journey to become foster parents over and done with so that they could welcome children into their home. Imagine their Surprise when they were told that just because they didn't make a certain amount of income that they would not be getting licensed to become foster parents. At no time in any of the classes was this subject brought up. Apparently DCF has a worksheet that you fill out at Orientation to determine if you have enough income to be a foster parent. This couple did not attend Orientation. I think DCF should have a section on Income Requirements in the PRIDE book that they go thru during class. I believe DCF dropped the ball on this one and in doing so missed out on some very caring parents who offered their time and home to foster children in need. Not only that but the chance to place disabled children in a home where they have experience caring for their own disabled children. I understand the need to make sure that people are not just fostering for the small stipend that is supposed to be used on the children. What I don't understand is why there is not some type of funding to allow qualified people to help these children when their income is not enough to pass DCF guidelines. There is much attention brought to the need for qualified foster parents. It seems to me that if the need is that great then DCF should focus on Quality people and helping them to insure Quality care for these children.