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DCS CW Manual/Chapter 16 Section 2: Assistance for Unlicensed Relative Placements 6 of 9

Child Care Allowance Child care allowance is only paid for six (6) months or until CCDF is received or the relative becomes licensed whichever occurs first. DCS will only permit an Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministry to be paid using child care allowance if the ministry accepts CCDF. If there are concerns regarding the safety and well being of a ward attending this type of facility it may be appropriate to facilitate a CFT Meeting to discuss the relative placement’s child care needs and issues or concerns such as location and cost. A decision could be made to review Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) inspection reports for the facility (which may found on the FSSA website, https://secure.in.gov/apps/fssa/carefinder/index.html). An FCM may complete site visits necessary to make an informed decision as to the appropriateness of the facility. The team should also be prepared to provide information about facilities that may be deemed appropriate and may meet the needs of the family. Personal Allowance The purpose of the Personal Allowance is to normalize a child’s stay in foster care. As such, the Personal Allowance may be used for a broad array of purchases. The list of personal allowance items in policy are only examples. The options for use are extremely broad. Clothing and Personal Item Allotment It is allowable for unlicensed relatives to purchase clothing for the child up to $200 and be reimbursed if they have received FCM approval, even if the approval is received after the purchase of clothing. At times it is necessary for the clothing to be purchased prior to DCS approval. Unlicensed relatives must present the receipts for all purchases. In unique circumstances, an RM appeal may be utilized to purchase clothing beyond the first 60 days of placement. Examples are a sudden weight gain or loss, a change of placement when the FCM has attempted to obtain clothing from the previous placement without success, etc. Educational Needs Contact the EL for assistance with school related fees as many may be waived. For fees that cannot be waived or cannot be funded through other means, a global services referral should be completed. These expenses should not come out of the child’s personal allowance. Special Occasion Allowance The FCM and the Relative Care Support Specialist (RCSS) should make all unlicensed relative placements aware of invoicing instructions in order to utilize the Special Occasion Allowance. Tax Reimbursement Tax on any purchases made for a ward including clothing and personal items, personal and special occasion allowances is reimbursable. Reimbursement can be claimed for the items plus tax up to the amount listed in policy. For example, the resource parent(s) purchases clothing in the amount of $180 and paid $12.60 in tax for a total of $192.60. The resource parent(s) can claim reimbursement for $192.60. However, if the resource parent(s) purchased clothing in the amount of $200 and paid $14 in tax for a total of $214, the resource parent(s) can only claim $200 outlined in policy. Reimbursement can be claimed for the items plus tax up to the amount listed in policy. Supporting Relative Caregivers It is important for FCMs to support all relative caregivers. FCMs will be mindful that relative caregivers may not have planned to take emergency placement of their relative’s child(ren). This is especially true in emergency after hours placements. The FCM should be patient and exercise empathy for the relative caregivers and serve as a support to them by answering any