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Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program Policy Manual Chapter 4. Application, Eligibility Determination & Documentation

REVISED 04/27/2026

27 adoptive parent as the case head. The custodial adult or adoptive parent must meet all initial income and need eligibility requirements at that time. If the custodial adult or adoptive parent applies by the end of the child’s 12-month eligibility period and is approved, the custodial adult or adoptive parent must not be placed on a waiting list.

3. Foster Care Outside the County

When a child in foster care resides outside the county which has custody, the county Department of Social Services that has custody of the child has responsibility for payment. In some situations, the county which has custody of the child may have a conflict of interest, for example, the child is related to a staff member of the initiating DSS/LPA. In these situations, another county Department of Social Services may manage the child’s foster care case, such as conducting visits with the child. Additionally, the county which manages and conducts the child’s foster care will be responsible for payment of the SCCA case, even if custody remains with the initiating county. When a child is in the custody of a Department of Social Services and lives with a relative or responsible adult in another state, it may be necessary to provide child care subsidy to a provider in another state. See Chapter 15, Approval and Enrollment Procedures for Licensed Facilities for more information.

4. Foster Care Need Type

NC FAST follows policy in determining requirements and benefits for children in foster care:

i. Foster care is not a need type in Plan of Care evidence.

ii. Foster parents must have a need for child care (such as employment or education) that has been verified by the foster care worker.