I don't know what the laws are in Ohio, but if you get licenced as a foster parent you are eligible to get monthly assistance. I would contact your local social services to see what is available immediately. Also try a childrens resale shop to get stuff at a good price. I did when my gc were little.

Keep us posted

Thank you so much for the help. I will do that. This is all so sudden and we have tonight to try and get some what ready for them. I am sure I am going to need a lot of emotional support since it has been so long since I have had little ones in the house. Thanks again. I will let you know how it turns out.

Well, you're definitely in the right place, cls1988! Welcome!

We got our three grandchildren within the space of an hour and a half, so I know how freaked out you must be (not to mention how freaked out THEY are).

I know it is so overwelming. I think I have the house baby proof now. One is 4 years old and the other is 1 1/2 years old. A lot of my friends gathered up there old stuff and gave to us. We spent less than 100 dollars on stuff we needed for them. I was so happy and thankful to all of them. This is the third time in a year that the girls have been taken from her. The case worker told us she is not going to get them back now. I feel very bad for these girls but at least now they will have a stable enviroment. thanks to all for advice and i am sure i will be around asking for more. take care all

Please try out this web site to help.


www.wishuponahero.com

you can go there and make a wish some people have things they are willing to hand them down.

I know what it is like to have little ones. I will keep you in my prayers.

I too am in Ohio. check with the Department of Jobs and family services in your county. Check about child only assistance as your income will not be taken into account. Also check into kinship care which provides like 1500 every so many months for their care and neccessities. If the ODJFS knows nothing about kinship care, call Children's services-they handle it here in my county.
Check with consignment shops and yard sales for things. School supplies if needed are donated to many families through ODJFS.
I hope this helps because trust and believe if they can keep a service secret in Ohio they will.

Thanks to all. I will check all this out. It is very good information and a good start for us. We went to court yesterday and magestrate didnt want to rule till next thursday. we have to wait a week before we find out something. Children services is pushing and trying to make things happen sooner for us.

Wow!!! Ohio gives a lot for kinship care!!! I don't even get 1500 in a year!! Good for you guys!!! WooHoo!!!

I'd contact Social Services. They'll be able to help you!

Although I'm sure you wanted to get the children yesterday at least this gives you just a little more time to prepare for their arrival.

I think you have gotten lots of good advice and resources and you might find that 1 resource will lead to another and another until you have whatever you need.

Bless you for taking these precious children.

Welcome to the group cls... I've read your comments about the court hearing. Does anyone think she may leave with them before the next hearing?

On another note, I know that here where I live, they have places that will donate goods and services either for free or very minute costs. I agree with the other ladies though, check into your local family services department for places to go for help

It is a real blessing when we as grandparents can take on these children when their parents can't or won't raise them. I honestly believe that God has a special blessing for all of us....

Can I also suggest WIC-womens infants childrens for a supplement to your groceries. they give vouchers for things like eggs, cereal, milk, juice, peanut butter etc to those under 3 or 5. Also check with your local Help Me Grow agency. They provide all kinds of services and referrals for those children under 3. check into Headstart preschool they can also provide you with referrals and resources.
Maybe the extra time will afford you the time and energy you need to do all of the calling and checking on different things. But I also understand it it is a waiting game and can be nerve racking and have an effect on your emotional well being. Hnag in there and know we are all here for you

Thank you for the additional information grammakaikai. We got some bad news this morning. My husbands ex wife called and said that the oldest granddaughter was taken to the hospital last night for an injury. Some kind of fall. My step daughter called her and told her that she had to call the squad for the 4 year old because she got hurt and thats all she would tell. The ex has not heard back from her so we dont know how our granddaughter is doing or how bad the accident was. I put another call in for the case worker and waiting for her. Ok so while I was typing this the case worker called back. I informed her of all this and she is going out this afternoon at 11 to check on our granddaughter. The case worker did tell me that if the magestrate does not remove the girls on Thursday she is going to ask for the case to be closed. What is she thinking!! She said she knows the girls are not safe but she has no more evidence to present to the magestrate. Please everyone pray for their safety and that he will remove them on thursday.

Holy $^%$, cls! Has she suffered injuries before?

You didn't post any background on the bios. Do you fear for the kids' physical safety? I'm sure she could have simply fallen, but the timing! The timing!

Please let us know what happens -- I hope you can get the kids quickly.

I will let you all know as soon as I hear something. The case worker should be there at this time. Yes there has been other injuries and questionable marks but nothing real serious. Most of it I think is because she is not watching her and she likes to climb and is falling that way. She got out of the house a few weeks ago and our daughter couldnt find her. She later found her a little ways away from her apartment by a pond with anothe little girl. She never called the police or anyone to report her missing. We are so scared for the girls. I will let you all know as soon as I hear something.

Your caseworker should be able to answer a lot of questions. Much depends on the status of you taking the kids in. Foster Care, Guardianship, Adoption, Wards of the court, etc. I know there is a way that you can get things like TANF which I believe would get you food stamps also. Sometimes, depending on court rulings and status, the children would be listed as "homeless" even though they are living with you. Then you would get benefits as their guardian for their expenses. This can also get you reduced childcare. The caseworker s/be aware of all of this and guide you through it. Another resource is to go to your State of Ohio website and find the Council On Aging (age does not matter with this). Almost all states have a dept for grandparents raising grandchildren and can hook you up with the right people. Other sites referred to in the posts are good to check for furniture, clothing, etc. Also, put the searchword "grandfamilies" or "grandparents raising grandchildren" and you will find many sites to consider. May God bless you on this path you did not choose to take. Know that your grandchildren will benefit from your love and care.