Help provide a safe and loving home for our niece!

Hi everyone,

Due to tragic circumstances, our niece “H” was removed from her home and placed in child protective custody again. However, this time around, the opportunity for permanent placement was presented. Since this opportunity arose, my brother-in-law and sister, Kyle and Abby Kildahl, have been working on the ICPC process of transferring H from her current state of WA to their home in MN. After a few months of meetings, a home study, classes, hearings, etc., they finally received confirmation today that she will be able to be in their home/custody this month!

Despite the many obstacles that are to come due to her situation, they have jumped in to love and provide for their niece, a sweet little girl that they did not have contact with. We are hoping to jump in and help them back.

Although they would not have sought custody of her if they could not maintain her financially (daycare, basic needs, gas for many anticipated appointments, extracurriculars), it is the upfront costs we want to help them with.

These costs include but are not limited to:

-Lost wages for time off for both the initial acquainting visit as well as time to acclimate H to their home/routine.

-Assisting with travel expenses.

-A home security system for safety purposes

-SIX carseats (unfortunately, all three kids in their home will be in booster/carseats. This will require that they get larger vehicles (not realistic at this time) or slimmer model carseats. They do not have the option of transferring seats between vehicles due to the children riding in both cars, most days. It is not allowed to accept used carseats for safety purposes

-Bedroom furniture (they would like to get a cheap set so H can have matching furniture as her new sisters do)

-A larger kitchen table/more seating

Due to being a relative placement, there will be no monthly financial assistance as there usually is with foster care placements. Because of this, there will also be an adjustment period for monthly budgeting as they get used to the additional expenses of her daily needs.

If you would prefer to venmo, you can send it directly to Abby at @Abby-Kildahl.

*Full disclosure: they are hopeful of receiving the option of reimbursement for a mattress and one carseat from the department.

**No further information regarding the case will be disclosed for privacy and confidentiality reasons.

Thanks for considering,

Melanie McDougall