OKDHS - OAC 340:10-18-1. Conditions of eligibility for support service funds for child only cases

340:10-18-1. Conditions of eligibility for support service funds for child only cases

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Revised 5-12-05

(a) Scope. In an effort to promote family stability and assist in the prevention of Child Welfare (CW) involvement, support service funds are provided to child only cases when there is no natural or adoptive parent(s) in the home and a caretaker relative has assumed responsibility for rearing the child(ren). • 1 The worker provides or arranges payment(s) of the approved support service fund(s) determined appropriate to maintain the child(ren) in the home. Items and services covered by Medicaid are not paid by support service funds.

(b) Support service funds. • 2 Payments for the services through support service funds are not an automatic entitlement to the child(ren). Support service funds are not used for fines including traffic fines or any cost related to a criminal offense such as legal fees or court costs. Before any consideration is given to authorizing payment for support service funds, the worker must determine if the service is available through any other resource. Resources include other Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) programs, local churches, and civic groups. This determination is made on a case-by-case basis. The worker pre-determines and authorizes payments and services. The worker negotiates for goods and services for the child(ren) for the least possible cost. The negotiated amounts must not include state or local sales taxes. Payments of specific services are allowed only after the service is rendered. Ongoing maintenance payments are not allowed. The county director or designee is responsible for periodically monitoring expenditures from this account. The worker signs the Authorization to Purchase form and gives it to the caretaker relative to take to the provider. Approval for payment to the provider occurs after service is rendered and the caretaker relative signs the Authorization to Purchase form. • 3

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:10-18-1

1. The needs of the caretaker relative(s) are not included in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefit.

2. Support service fund guidelines.

(1) School supplies. This service is utilized for supplies not provided by the school and required for the classroom.

(2) School activities. This service is utilized for school fees which include, but are not limited to, laboratory fees, art class fees, driver education fees, and sports class fees. This service includes a one-time rental payment for band and orchestra instruments.

(3) Clothing. This service is utilized when clothing is determined necessary for the child(ren). Examples are diapers, school clothing or uniforms when required. This service includes clothing and shoes.

(4) Youth activities. This service is utilized for costs for after school activities related to youth organizations as well as summer youth activities.

(5) Legal issues. This service is only utilized for the cost of obtaining guardianship or legal custody of the child(ren).

(6) Counseling. This service is utilized for counseling services for the child(ren) as well as for parenting classes for the caretaker.

(7) Shelter related expense. This service is utilized for an emergency shelter need.

(8) Transportation related expense. This service is utilized for an emergency transportation need.

3. The payment screen is accessed through the online Finance System or Finance Applications Web site on the InfoNet. Enter the provider's federal identification number, address, and telephone number. On the same screen enter the case number, cash amount of the service, the object code found on Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Appendix H-4-A, Support Services Funds, and a description of the service to be provided. This description must be as detailed as possible to prevent any misunderstanding as to what the payment of the authorization covers. When all the information is entered, hit 'Enter', and the completed form is printed and made available to the caretaker relative.

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