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Child Care Scholarship Policy Manual 88

when assistance is needed with obtaining immunizations and/or other health and safety paperwork. Child care licensing works with the foster care case manager as needed to obtain this information. Foster children are given a 90-day grace period to provide proof of immunizations.

2.11.7 CHILD CARE AFTER ADOPTION - ADOPTCC Child care scholarships may be provided for a full 12 months (52) weeks in order to support the family when there is a child who is legally adopted child that once had an open/active foster care case in South Carolina. This applies only to children who were in the custody of SC Department of Social Services. Private adoptions, ICPC, or other out of state adoptions are not eligible to apply for child care under this category. In order to qualify for child care under this category, the following criteria must be met: • Child has been legally adopted and no longer has an open/active foster care case. • The child care application should be in the name of the adoptive parent. • The adoptive parent does not have to be working, in school, or in training. • The adoptive parent does not have to be income eligible. • The child needing care must be under the age of 13 or have a verified special need which may allow for services from the ages of 13-19. • If the family’s income is above the maximum entrance amount (but under the exit amount), the income entered into the database will be entered at a dollar less than the maximum 85% SMI. • If the client is not working and has no income, income should be entered as $0. • One time - 12 months of care (52 weeks) of age-appropriate care will be given. • The family must choose an enrolled ABC Quality provider. • There is no co-pay for this category of care.

The process for applying for this category is: • Adoptive parents may request a child care application by emailing FosterChildCare@dss.sc.gov. • Adoptive parents must provide a copy of the adoption finalization court order. • The adopted child will receive 12 months of child care if otherwise eligible. Upon receipt of the referral form and child care application, eligibility staff will check CAPSS to verify closure.