The mother is a single parent of two children. She is currently receiving Section 8 housing assistance and is not working, although she does hair on the side. The CSW was able to get her approved for full-time childcare because the mother wants to search for employment. However, the childcare facility informed her that in order for her son to begin care, she needs to pay a $100 application fee. The agency stated that if the mother does not pay this fee, they will neither allow her son to start childcare nor provide funding for it. The mother asked if she could make payments of $10.00 toward the fee, as she is on a fixed income. She is requesting assistance with paying the $100 application fee so her son can begin childcare. Requested Assistance: $100 payment to cover the application fee. Strengths Identified for the Mother:

1. The mother is able to provide housing for herself and her child.
2. She has demonstrated resourcefulness.
3. She is open to receiving help when needed. For these reasons, I am advocating for the mother’s need to be met. She is unable to afford the $100 application fee, and the CSW will explore other DCFS options for funding and in-kind donations. This request is being made through the CarePortal because unfortunately, DCFS does not provide funding for this type of assistance, and requests can take 8-10 weeks to process. Additionally, the case may not meet the criteria for other DCFS funding options.