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Out of State Foster Care Placement. In some situations, it is necessary to place a child who is in the custody of the State of South Dakota, Division of Child Protection Services with a family that is not residing in the State of South Dakota. Because these children are in the State of South Dakota’s custody and considered residents of South Dakota, they may be eligible for Child Care Assistance. • The foster parent(s) must apply for assistance and have a work or school activity. The child care provider must be licensed or registered in their state and provide verification.

CPS Coupons. In special short-term situations, CPS may utilize child care coupons to ensure payment to child care providers. Coupons are an abbreviated application for CCA completed with the assistance of CPS staff. Coupons should only be used in short-term child care situations for children with whom CPS is involved. This includes children in foster care, relative kinship placement, and respite care situations. The coupons can only be used with child care providers that are licensed or registered with OLA. Coupons are valid for up to 60 continuous days of child care. If the child care need is longer than 60 days, the parent or guardian should apply for CCA using a full application. Coverage can be backdated a maximum of three months prior to the receipt date of the coupon. The coupon must be signed by the CPS representative unless the completed coupon is e-mailed directly to CCA staff.

Present Danger Plans. Present Dange Plan (PDP) are agreements facilitated by the Division of Child Protection between families and a friend or relative who will care for the child temporarily while CPS completes an investigation. During a Present Danger Plan, the child(ren) are not in the custody of the State. CCA can allow a one-time, 30-day coupon to be issued for children under a Present Danger Plan if the person(s) exercising parental control are working or in school. CCA must receive a copy of the signed PDP with the completed coupon. If additional care is needed, the person(s) exercising parental control of the children listed on the PDP will need to apply for CCA using the general CCA application. In BEES, PDPs must be processed by an Elevated Worker. If an application is received and it is determined that the child is under a PDP, the case should be referred to an Elevated Worker.

Long Term Out of Home Safety Plans. Long-Term Out of Home Safety plans are an agreement facilitated by the Division of Child Protection between families and a friend or relative. A Long-Term Safety Plan allows a caregiver to continue the care for a child without the need for court involvement for up to one year. For children on a Long-Term Safety Plan, CCA will be allowed as an extension of the Foster Care policies for children on a Long-Term Out of Home Safety Plan. When a child is placed under a Long-Term Safety Plan, this living arrangement should be reported. EABS may use a copy of the Safety Plan to verify placement.

Harbor Families Program. Harbor families' services is a program designed to reduce the need for State Child Protection agencies to take custody of children while still ensuring child safety when families are experiencing crisis. The Harbor Families program temporarily places children with volunteer host families while the parents of the children cope with their crisis. CCA can be allowed for Harbor families placements. When Harbor Families host parent applies for CCA, they must indicate on the application that the living arrangement is a Harbor Families placement. • Income of the Host parents is not considered, and they are not subject to the asset limit. • Eligibility will only be given for times when foster parents need care while they are working or going to school. • Host parents are required to verify their employment or school participation.

Foster Parents Who Homeschool. In other household circumstances, homeschooling is not an eligible work/school activity. Foster families who homeschool their children may receive child care for foster children in the custody of CPS or a Tribal CPS agency while they homeschool their own children.