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CHILD CARE SUBSIDY ELIGIBILITY POLICY MANUAL  13 6.6 PROTECTIVE SERVICE CHILD The following categories shall be a qualifying activity (valid need): (1) Children in the legal custody of the Department of Social Services, Children’s Division pursuant to an order of the juvenile court; or (2) Children who are the subject of a current adoption or guardianship subsidy agreement with the Children’s Division; or (3) Children with an active family centered services or intensive in home services case with the Children’s Division. 6.6.1 VERIFICATION OF PROTECTIVE SERVICE CHILD The applicant’s statement may be used to verify this requirement unless DESE has information contradicting the applicant’s stated Protective Service’s status, at which time DESE shall request written documentation from the applicant. 6.7 CHILD WITH A SPECIAL NEED FOR CHILD CARE A child may be classified as having special needs if the child is an eligible child and: (1) Receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based on the child’s disability; or (2) Receives services through the Department of Mental Health (DMH) due to an identified disability or mental health need; or (3) Has a physical or mental disability or delay: (A) Defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine; or (B) Which causes a significant delay in a child’s cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or social development in comparison with normal development standards. 6.7.1 VERIFICATION OF A CHILD WITH A SPECIAL NEED Special Need of the child is a qualifying activity (valid need) as long as a certified physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant provides an annual statement verifying the need for care. 6.8 APPLICANT EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS The term homeless is defined as an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. An applicant residing at a homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, and/or working with a community agency to find stable housing have a qualifying activity (valid need) for care. 6.8.1 VERIFICATION OF APPLICANT EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS Verification shall include, but is not limited to: (1) A written statement from the shelter, a collateral contact from a community agency, or with staff contact to the shelter or community organization. SECTION 7: AUTHORIZATION PROCESS Once eligibility has been established, the applicant can utilize the Subsidy using a child care provider contracted with DESE for payment for child care services. A child’s specific number of days and hours for authorized care is dependent on the age of the child and the number of days and hours that care is needed.