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DCS CW Manual/Chapter 16 Section 2: Assistance for Unlicensed Relative Placements 1 of 9

INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SERVICES CHILD WELFARE POLICY Chapter 16: Financial Services/Assistance Effective Date: November 1, 2016 Section 2: Assistance for Unlicensed Relative Placements Version: 4

STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE

The Department of Child Services (DCS) is committed to meeting the financial needs of children in unlicensed relative placements by providing the following assistance:

Personal Allowance: Personal allowance funds of up to $300 over the course of one (1) year are available to the relative placement after the 8th consecutive day of placement. These funds may be expended and are reset at the beginning of each calendar year. These funds may be used for items such as, but not limited to, computer hardware and/or software, field trips, driver’s education (unless eligible for emancipation Goods & Services Funds), class pictures, application fees, extracurricular activities, musical instruments, sporting equipment, electronic devices (e.g., e-readers, laptops, iPod, Xbox, etc.), a prom dress or other special occasion clothing, equipment and fees associated with extracurricular activities (including activities for young children), and preschool. The following items are not permitted or reimbursable: piercings, tattoos, tobacco products, alcoholic products or beverages, firearms or other weapons, fireworks, lottery tickets, gift cards (e.g., gas, VISA, Wal-Mart, etc.), cash, checks, or money orders.

Note: DCS will reimburse the unlicensed relative for all of the above covered items upon receipt of a properly claimed invoice with a receipt attached for each of the items.

Initial Clothing and Personal Items Allotment: Initial clothing and personal items funds of up to $200 per child are available upon initial placement of the child. These funds are to be utilized for clothing and personal items such as, but not limited to, clothing, socks, shoes/boots, coats, toiletries, personal hygiene items, undergarments, and hair products.

Special Occasion Allowance: Special occasion funds are available for all children in the amount of $50 for each child’s birthday and $50 for holiday gifts for each child. In order for the unlicensed relative to receive reimbursement for the Special Occasion Allowance, the child must be in the relative’s care on the day of his or her birthday and December 25th. These items include, but are not limited to toys, video games or other electronics, salon services, clothing, jewelry, sporting equipment, birthday party, and tickets to an event on his or her birthday. Items not allowable are: piercings, tattoos, tobacco products, alcoholic products or beverages, firearms/weapons, fireworks, lottery tickets, gift cards (e.g., gas, visa, Wal-Mart, etc.), cash, checks, or money orders.

Note: A referral is not needed to receive reimbursement for the Special Occasion Allowance. DCS will reimburse the unlicensed relative for all of the above covered items upon receipt of a properly claimed invoice with a receipt attached for each of the items.

Bedding Allowance: Bedding allowance funds are available up to $400 per child if there is a need for a bed and/or bedding, and Family Case Manager (FCM) approval has been obtained.