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1-1 CHAPTER 1 CHILD CARE, PURCHASE OF SERVICE GENERAL Section 1. Authority. W.S. 42-2-103(b)(xiv) and W.S. 16-3-101-106 et. seq. authorizes the Department of Family Services (DFS) to promulgate rules and regulations to be used by DFS in the discharge of its functions. Section 2. Purpose. These rules are adopted to standardize DFS’s purchase of child care in Wyoming. The Wyoming Child Care, Purchase of Service program is a public assistance program for low-income families who need child care services in order to work or attend approved educational or training programs. Child Care, Purchase of Services is funded through a federal block grant and with state dollars. Section 3. Severability. If any provision of these rules or the application thereof to any person, program, service or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of these rules. To the extent that these rules can be given effect without the invalid provision, the provisions of these rules are severable. Section 4. Definitions. (a) “Adult” is a person age 18 or over, or a person under age 18 who meets the Wyoming emancipation laws. (b) “Adverse action” is a process to terminate or reduce the child care benefits. (c) “Anticipated income” is income which is expected to be received in the benefit month. (d) “Applicant” is a person who expresses in writing a desire to receive child care assistance. (e) “Application date” is the date a completed and signed application is received and date stamped in the DFS-FO. (f) “Assistance unit” is one (1) or more children living with their caretaker(s). (g) “Authorization” is issued to a caretaker to show the child(ren) is eligible for child care assistance. The Child Care Authorization is assistance to the client, not assistance to the provider. The authorization shows: (i) The maximum child care hours allowed by DFS; (ii) The maximum payment DFS shall make; and