4525. Administrative Approvals for Child Welfare

Applies To:  This policy applies to all Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) employees.

Policy Number & Title:  4525. Administrative Approvals for Child Welfare 

Effective Date: January 31, 2016 

Purpose 

DCYF administrative approvals are requested when a policy indicates an administrative approval is required, exception to a policy is needed, or to provide reimbursement /supports to a licensed caregiver beyond what the foster care rate assessment or policy allows.

Policy 

  1. Approval requests are only for exceptions to a policy, exceptional cost foster care reimbursement, or when a policy requires an administrative approval.
  2. Approval requests must be submitted on Administrative Approval Request form DCYF 05-210. 
  3. Exceptional cost foster care is only approved when the foster care rate assessment is completed and the support or supervision for the child or youth needed goes beyond what the rate assessment can provide.
  4. Exceptional cost foster care requests must be submitted on a Administrative Approval Request form DCYF 05-210.
  5. Exceptional Cost Foster Care Plans (ECP):
    1. Are developed for placements intended to be permanent or beyond thirty days when a child or youth in out-of-home care has extreme physical, medical, emotional or intellectual impairments, and the licensed caregivers are providing intensive supervision or extra supports to meet the child’s or youth’s exceptional needs.
    2. Must only be considered when all other sources of financial or other supports have been explored to meet the special needs of the child or youth.
    3. Must be reviewed by the assigned DCYF caseworker and supervisor at the time the foster care rate assessment is completed. Approval by the regional administrator or designee is required to initiate or maintain the plan and payment.
    4. May be backdated up to, but not exceed, 30 days. Approval must be granted before a payment can be made.
    5. Not required for crisis or emergent placements (Emergent placements are less than 30 days).

Forms 

Administrative Approval Request form DCYF 05-210

Resources

Administrative Approvals for Child Welfare procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint)

Original Date:  January 31, 2016

Revised Date: 

Review Date:

Approved by:   Jennifer Strus, Assistant Secretary