TO:
ALL REGIONAL AND COUNTY CD AND FSD STAFF
FROM:
PAULA NEESE, DIRECTOR
CHILDREN'S DIVISION
JANEL R. LUCK, DIRECTOR
FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION
SUBJECT:
CHILD CARE POLICY RELATING TO IMMEDIATE ENGAGEMENT FOR TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE APPLICANTS
REFERENCE:
CHILDREN'S DIVISION
FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION
DISCUSSION:
Memorandum IM-121, dated December 31, 2007, implements the Immediate Engagement policy requiring certain Temporary Assistance (TA) applicants to participate in work activities as a condition of eligibility. Those TA applicants who are subject to this policy will be required to complete an assessment and an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) with a Career Assistance Program (CAP) agency prior to the TA application being approved.
Some TA applicants will need child care assistance in order to comply with this policy. Discuss the family's child care needs with TA applicants who are determined mandatory for Immediate Engagement. For two parent households, both parents must be determined mandatory to participate in Immediate Engagement in order for this child care policy to apply.
FSD Responsibility
If the applying parent(s) requires child care in order to comply with the Immediate Engagement policy, enter a child care application at the same time as the Temporary Assistance application. If no other child care need exists, enter TRN (Training\Evaluation) on the CCNEED (FMAC) screen. Enter the date of application as the start date of the need. Enter a date 30 days in the future as the end date of the need. Enter the verification code CS (Client Statement) unless other verification is available at the time of application. This need should be reviewed and updated within 30 days or when new information is received from the parent or CAP agency.
Manual section 1210.020.05 TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE PARTICIPANTS has been updated to reflect this new policy.
Child's Authorization
Do not authorize children to a provider until verification is received from the CAP agency that an appointment has been scheduled with the applicant or that the applicant is participating in work activities. Authorize the number and type of units based on the verification received and the family's needs. Authorize children for the same time period entered on CCNEED.
REMINDER: Children may not be authorized to an ineligible provider. Staff are reminded to insure the provider of choice has met all provider eligibility requirements and is either registered or contracted to accept child care subsidy.
Refer parents who have not already made arrangements for child care to the Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network (MOCCRRN) for assistance in locating a provider who is eligible to receive subsidy reimbursement. A list of MOCCRRN agencies is available online at http://www.moccrrn.org/.
TA Disposition
If the TA application is approved, obtain verification of the parent's continued participation in CAP activities or other need, such as employment, and update the child care need and the child's authorization accordingly. Follow the child care need component time limits policy as outlined in the child care manual section 1210.020.15 DEFINITIONS OF NEED COMPONENTS AND TIME LIMITS.
If the TA application is rejected and no other valid child care need exists, close the child care case by end dating the CCNEED and completing an eligibility determination (EDRES).
NECESSARY ACTION:
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PDS Contact: |
Program Manager: Becky Houf 573-522-1385 Becky.L.Houf@dss.mo.gov |
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