Max cards- does anyone have one because of having a looked after child?

[researchbookworm]

Basically I've seen that parents/carers of looked after children are entitled to a MAX card which gives you loads of discounts, free entry into attractions etc. Obviously once an adoption order has gone through adopters would no longer be eligible for one, but I wondered if anyone had managed to get one before that? I think they are mainly aimed at foster carers and families that have children with disabilities, but I thought I'd try and muscle in if I could! Especially as there's a pretty thin line between a child on placement and a foster child now that you can go down the foster to adopt route...

[IamTheWhoreofBabylon]

I've got one for an adopted child
It was part of the drive to give adopted children the same benefits as LAC
I got it from our LA. I think it depends on your LA policy
Good luck. I love our max card

[happytoseeyou]

I enquired about one of these in May this year, MAX replied saying it was only for foster families. :-(

[Threesocksnohairbrush]

Does your child have any special needs? DS has significant attachment difficulties and a statement at school, and we got a max card for that reason.

[researchbookworm]

No special needs have come up yet! I feel a bit awkward at attempting to muscle in on something that is aimed at families that have extra to deal with, but it seems a bit unfair that foster families get one for caring for 'looked after' children, but adoptive families don't. Especially as there are other areas (school laces, premium plus etc) where it is acknowledged that adopted children might need extra consideration too...
Thanks for all the comments- interesting to know that some areas do give them to adopters. If you were able to pm me the specific area that did that it might help my case with our agency!
Thanks

[researchbookworm]

(places not laces!)

[IamTheWhoreofBabylon]

Our LA gives them out to adopters
Wasn't there a drive to give adopted children the same rights to services as foster children?
I think excluding adopted children could be challenged
I will PM you my
LA

[PhoenixReisling]

My LA gives an equivalent card to the max card, this is for those with additional needs but also covers those children that are LAC and those who are adopted.

I'm happy to PM you if you want.

[happytoseeyou]

Hi

I have just stumbled across the email I got back from the Max Card project manger when I asked if there was a way of applying for a card as neither the Childs LA or our VA were listed as being able to provide one :

I'm afraid our scheme is currently only open to fostered and disabled children aged 0-19 years. I'll be sure to let you know if anything changes.