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

This is a one-time payment and the bed and bedding must go with the child should they return home or be moved to a different placement.

Child Care Allowance: Child care funds (only if needed for work or school hours) are available up to $18 per day or $90 per week, per child, for child care costs in a child care center or home that is licensed, registered, or the appropriate background checks have been conducted. For further guidance, see separate policy, 13.5 Conducting Background Checks for Unlicensed Placements. This funding is available for six (6) months only. If the relative becomes licensed or begins receiving Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) prior to six (6) months the funding will end.

Educational Needs Funding: Educational needs funding is available to cover the cost of securing a High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate, tutoring, and summer school. This is referred in KidTraks through Global Services. Contact the local DCS Education Liaison (EL) for assistance with school related fees as many may be waived.

Note: When other funding is available for securing an HSE Certificate it should be utilized prior to completing a global services referral.

Respite Care: Respite care funds, if needed and approved by the FCM, are available for up to five (5) days each calendar year. The respite care must be in a licensed resource parent’s home. Respite will require a referral to be done by the FCM.

Travel Reimbursement: Travel reimbursement is available for properly claimed travel expenses incurred for each child placed in unlicensed relative care. Travel will be reimbursed monthly beginning at mile one (1) for travel such as: 1. Travel between the unlicensed relative home and the school system in which the child was enrolled before placement and continues to be enrolled while residing with unlicensed relative if the school system is not required to provide transportation under applicable state law.

Note: FCMs may consult with the EL for information on what school corporations are required to provide transportation for the child.

2. Travel to and from Headstart, summer school, pre-school, summer camps, and school related extracurricular activities.

Note: Mileage will be eligible for reimbursement to and from these programs only when it is not provided by the school corporation.

3. Travel to and from parent and/or sibling visits (including visits to other relatives that are authorized by DCS and are a part the child’s Case Plan [SF2956]) and visits to facilitate the transition to another placement; 4. Travel to and from the following types of health related appointments: a. Doctor (primary care physician and any specialists), b. Dentist (including orthodontist), c. Health clinic, d. Hospital/Emergency Room (including visits during child inpatient episodes), e. Occupational and Physical Therapy, and f. Behavioral Health Counselor and Therapist;