6100. Reimbursing Caregivers for Transportation Expenses

Applies To:  This policy applies to child welfare (CW) and Financial and Business Services Division (FBSD) fiduciary employees.

Policy Number & Title:  6100. Reimbursing Caregivers for Transportation Expenses

Effective Date:  July 25, 2021


Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance about reviewing and approving reimbursement when caregivers submit the Caregiver Monthly Transportation Reimbursement DCYF 07-090 form for transportation expenses for a child or youth in their care. This does not include reimbursing caregivers for activities that are part of typical parenting or age or developmentally appropriate activities.

Authority 

RCW 47.04.280     Transportation system policy goals.

RCW 47.06.020     Role of department.

Policy 

  1. CW employees must adhere to the following when approving and documenting transportation expenses:
    1. The Client Travel Approval Quick Reference Guide DCYF 07-085 publication.
    2. Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Administrative 1.07.02 policy.
  2. Caseworkers must verify the following when receiving caregiver’s reimbursement requests for transportation expenses:
    1. Other resources were considered, per the Approving Client Travel and Transportation Activities policy.  
    2. Transportation expenses are consistent with the case plan and either:
      1. Supports a permanent plan.
      2. Directly prevents out-of-home placement and is not payable from another source.
    3. The caregiver’s travel met the requirements in this policy.

Forms 

Caregiver Monthly Transportation Reimbursement DCYF 07-090

Resources 

Approving Client Travel and Transportation Activities policy

Client Travel Approval Quick Reference Guide DCYF 07-085 publication

DCYF Administrative 1.07.02 Travel policy 

Reimbursing Caregivers for Transportation Expenses procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint)


Original Date:  September 27, 1995

Revised Date:  July 25, 2021

Review Date:  July 31, 2025

Approved by:  Jody Becker, Deputy Secretary