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DCS CW Manual/Chapter 16 Section 2: Assistance for Unlicensed Relative Placements 7 of 9

questions and addressing any concerns they may have, in conjunction with the RCSS and/or Regional Foster Care Specialist (RFCS). It is the goal of DCS to have a child transition as smoothly as possible from their home into the relative caregiver’s home. The transition will be easier to achieve if the relative feels supported and may focus primarily on the child.

FCMs are responsible for communicating all of the support and clinical services that DCS may offer the relative caregiver, in conjunction with the RCSS and/or the RFCS. The Relative Home Environment Checklist (SF55106) requires the FCM to provide the relative caregiver with the Financial Assistance Options for Relative Caregivers Brochure. Either the RCSS or the RFCS will follow up and provide them with the Relative Resource Guide that outlines the specific financial assistance that DCS offers as well as other community resources available to the relative caregiver. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) FCMs should ensure, in conjunction with the RCSS or the RFCS that unlicensed relative placements are provided with information regarding TANF, a program managed by the Division of Family Resources (DFR) to provide temporary financial assistance to qualifying children in relative care. TANF is available for a single parent family or a family in which a parent is disabled/unemployed/underemployed (e.g., unable to work, possibly due to illness or lack of education or job training).

To apply for TANF, the relative should contact their local DFR office. The applicant or recipient must provide their local DFR office with accurate and complete information regarding the child(ren), parent(s) and all other household members whose income and needs are to be assessed in order to determine eligibility. An individual must provide his or her Social Security number, employment, and child support assignment requirements. In addition, he or she must meet state residency and citizenship/alien requirements. The local DFR office has the responsibility to process applications, certify eligible applicants for participation, and issue benefits. Applications may be taken to the local DFR office, mailed, or faxed.

The amount of cash payment is determined by the number of eligible family members and their total income. The standard for a family including children and their caretaker is reflected in the chart below. A child may be considered a family of one (1) in some circumstances without the relative’s income being considered. In the case of sibling children, the sibling could comprise a family without the relative’s income being considered.

Income Standard Family Size Gross Income Limit Maximum Monthly Benefit: Child(ren) Only Parent and/or Caretaker 1 $286.75 $139.00 $139.00 2 $471.75 $198.00 $229.00 3 $592.00 $256.00 $288.00 4 $712.25 $315.00 $346.00 5 $832.50 $373.00 $405.00 6 $952.75 $432.00 $463.00 7 $1,073.00 $490.00 $522.00 8 $1,193.25 $549.00 $580.00