Revised 7-1-11

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-6-110

Revised 12-15-11

1.   Determining the level of Independent Living (IL) services for youth.  Information obtained during the completion of Form 04KI028E, Family Functional Assessment, and during the development of the child's individualized service plan, is used to determine the appropriate level of IL services for the youth.  The Child Welfare (CW) specialist:

(1) updates the IL screen in KIDS to reflect completion of the IL assessment;

(2) when IL services are determined not appropriate for the youth, consults the CW supervisor and documents, in the KIDS Contacts screen, the consultation and the reasons the youth cannot live independently. The documentation includes medical, psychiatric, or psychological information from medical or mental health professionals, as applicable;

(3) files documentation in the CW paper record;

(4) when services are appropriate for a youth, selects the appropriate IL service category of:

(A) Regular IL;

(B) IL with Support, a category that includes youth who have resided in above foster care level placements and may require other supports outside of the IL continuum; or

(C) Development Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) only.  This category includes youth:

(i) with a diagnosis of intellectual disability or intellectual disability accompanied by another mental or physical disability; and

(ii) who receive IL support through other sources, including but not limited to DDSD.

2.   Basic life skills assessment.  The Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment is utilized by the CW specialist or tribal worker and youth and is initiated with youth in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) or tribal custody at 16 years of age.

(1) The youth completes a set of questions that measures the youth's skill competency.

(2) The placement provider simultaneously completes a similar set of questions designed to demonstrate the provider's evaluation of the youth's skills.

(3) The assessment is accessed at http://www.caseylifeskills.org/ or www.nrcys.ou.edu.

(4) The CW specialist or tribal worker ensures the life skills assessment is completed.

(5) The original assessment is filed in the:

(A) KIDS File Cabinet;

(B) the primary case record; and

(C) all duplicate cases.

(6) Copies of the life skills assessment is provided to the:

(A) youth; and

(B) placement provider.

(7) Results of the assessment are documented in the KIDS IL screen.

3.   IL plans.

(1) IL plans are required for youth:

(A) 16 years of age or older;

(B) in OKDHS or tribal custody;

(C) in out-of-home placement; and

(D) capable of receiving IL services. 

(2) The CW or tribal worker assists the youth with completion of the IL plan.  The CW specialist or tribal worker:

(A) maintains the original IL plan in the primary case record and provides a copy for all duplicate cases;

(B) provides a copy of the plan to the youth;

(C) documents completion of the IL plan in the KIDS IL screen;

(D) updates IL services in the KIDS IL screen as the services are provided to the youth; and

(E) updates the IL plan every six months, and attaches the plan to Form 04KI009E, Court Report, or Form 04KI014E, Individualized Service Plan (ISP) Progress Report, for each dispositional or review hearing involving the youth.

(3) Determining type of IL plan.  The IL plan is separate from the parent's individualized service plan when youth is in emergency or temporary OKDHS custody and the youth's mother or father's parental rights are intact.  When a youth is in OKDHS permanent custody the CW specialist completes an IL and permanency plan that addresses permanence and IL for the youth.

(4) Developing the IL plan.  When developing the IL plan, the CW specialist:

(A) uses as a guide, the seven key elements of success that include:

(i) education;

(ii) permanent connections;

(iii) essential documents;

(iv) employment;

(v) health;

(vi) housing; and

(vii) life skills;

(B) organizes and conducts a meeting with the youth, the youth's placement provider, parent(s), or relative, when the youth has an ongoing relationship and chooses to include a relative in the process, and:

(i) reviews the IL assessment and child-specific section of Form 04KI028E;

(ii) identifies the skills necessary for the youth to live independently;

(iii) discusses the youth's occupational and educational interests, including options for college or university education or vocational programs;

(iv) determines the need for tutoring and mentoring;

(v) establishes a plan for IL living arrangements and a supportive network of adults in the community that will serve as the youth's safety net; and

(vi) develops a personalized transition plan 90 days prior to the youth's 18th birthday and assists and supports the youth in implementing the plan in accordance with the requirements of OAC 340:75-6-110 (d)(3)(B-D); and

(C) provides to, and discusses with, the youth, OKDHS Publication 11-01, Health Care Decisions for Independent Living Youth.

4.   Obtaining the appropriate IL determination in court.  The CW specialist:

(1) when the youth is capable of receiving IL services, attaches a copy of the youth's updated IL plan to and documents on Form 04KI009E or Form 04KI014E all IL services provided since the last court hearing for the court's consideration in making the finding of "Independent living services appropriate"; or

(2) when the youth is not capable of receiving IL services, documents the basis for this determination on Form 04KI009E or Form 04KI014E for the court's consideration in making the finding of "Independent living services not appropriate"; and

(3) attaches to Form 04PP018E, Independent Living Transition Plan, to Form 04KI014E, when appropriate.

5.   Community contracted services.

(1) Services.  Services provided through community contracts include:

(A) educational, vocational, and supplemental assistance;

(B) resource materials, such as instructional tools or supplies needed for the youth's transition;

(C) IL teen conferences, seminars, and activities;

(D) technical assistance to OKDHS and tribal CW staff and other contractors;

(E) training regarding the Oklahoma IL program and the preparation of youth for a successful transition to adulthood;

(F) processing requests for youth development funds;

(G) issuing youth development fund payments for goods and services; and

(H) coordinating special IL funding to encourage OKDHS counties and tribes to develop IL activities within local communities that include, at a minimum, training for youth in an area of skill needed for successful transition to independence.

(2) Enrollment.  To access community contracted services, the CW  specialist enrolls the eligible youth with the contracted provider, when the youth reaches 16 years of age, utilizing Form 04IL004E, Independent Living (IL) Community Contracted Services Enrollment.

(3) Resource materials.  Resource materials that assist the youth, available through the area IL specialist or National Resource Center for Youth Services (NRCYS), 918-660-3700, include:

(A) FYI3 binder for the youth's bookkeeping and finances, family history, photographs, important documents, and receipts;

(B) A Future Near Me workbook that contains 100 questions to guide a youth toward self-sufficiency;

(C) The Path Before Me workbook written for Native American youth; and

(D) one piece of luggage per eligible youth.

(4) IL opportunities.

(A) Teen conferences provide opportunities or youth to learn specialized skills through workshops and recreational activities.  The CW specialist enrolls the eligible youth via KIDS Training screens and supervises the youth at the workshops and recreational activities.  The youth to staff ratio is no more than three youth to one CW specialist.

(B) National Teen Conference - Destination Future is a national leadership conference sponsored by NRCYS.  The CW specialist assists the youth in completing and submitting the conference application to Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) IL Section.  The selection of youth is based upon the youth's participation in IL services and community involvement.  The CW specialist accompanies the youth to the conference.

(C) Shared Vision for Youth activities introduce youth to state vocational and technical schools, community colleges and universities, branches of the military, job corps, police, fire and emergency personnel, community business partners, and other employment opportunities.

(D) IL seminars and area events are held in various communities throughout Oklahoma and provide training to the youth on important life skills.  The CW specialist enrolls the eligible youth via the area IL specialist or NRCYS and accompanies the youth or obtains alternate supervision through the placement provider.

(5) Technical assistance.  The IL community contractor consults with CW specialists regarding:

(A) developing and training local community IL advisory boards;

(B) utilizing training resource materials;

(C) informing CW staff of new resources;

(D) implementing IL programs.  Assistance may include site visits and phone consultation; and

(E) developing collaborative efforts between OKDHS and community-based resources.

(6) Area IL specialists.  IL specialists in each Field Operations Division (FOD) service area assist CW and tribal staff by:

(A) ensuring eligible youth receive an IL assessment;

(B) recommending elements to include in the youth's individual IL case and transition plan;

(C) consulting with CW staff regarding eligible youth for services with Social Security Administration, IL community contractors, and DDSD;

(D) reviewing and updating IL data on KIDS;

(E) facilitating life skills groups;

(F) attending family team and transitional planning meetings for IL eligible youth;

(G) providing IL resources;

(H) training CW staff regarding availability of IL services;

(I) facilitating area wide youth service boards;

(J) assisting each area with IL activities and events;

(K) maintaining a list of area IL resources;

(L) processing requests for youth development funds; and

(M) ensuring youth complete paperwork necessary to enter post-secondary education.

(7) Assistance to promote involvement of OKDHS and tribal staff in IL activities.  The IL program provides reimbursement for mileage, per diem, and lodging to specified IL activities and events for OKDHS and tribal CW staff and placement providers.

6.   IL contingency funds.

(1) The approval of IL contingency funds is contingent upon funding availability.

(2) IL contingency funds are not used to reimburse youth, OKDHS staff, or contractors for a purchase made on behalf of the youth.

(3) Exceptions to reimbursement and item cost limits, per OKDHS Appendix C-19-A, require approval by CFSD IL Section.

(4) Requests for an item, per OKDHS Appendix C-19-A, are not split between two codes.

(5) Eligibility criteria for IL contingency funds are listed in (A) through (D).

(A) Preparation contingency funds.

(i) Eligible youth:

(I) are 16 or 17 years of age and are currently in OKDHS or tribal custody in out-of-home placement; or

(II) entered adoption or a permanent guardianship with kin after age 16.

(ii) Preparation contingency funds are used for education and work related expenses, miscellaneous services, and permanent connection related activities necessary to achieve the youth's IL plan.  Appropriate request for IL Preparation contingency funds include:

(I) education related – tutoring, summer and night school, correspondence courses, General Educational Development (GED) classes and testing, national college admission examinations, college application fees, calculators, tape recorders and other study aids, career assessments, or any item that enhances the youth's academic achievement;

(II) miscellaneous related – band, cheerleading squad, and sports equipment and clothing, class related trips, class ring, junior-senior prom expenses, animals and supplies needed for school related clubs, yearbooks, or goods and services that are identified on the IL case plan that assist the youth in a successful transition to adult living;

(III) work related – clothing, such as uniforms, special shoes and protective wear, inoculations and health tests, and transportation assistance, such as purchase of a bicycle, taxi fare, gasoline, or bus tickets until the youth receives his or her first paycheck; and

(IV) permanent connection related – costs connected with searches for family or unrelated persons willing to make a permanent connection to the youth, expenses associated with family group conferences, person-centered planning meetings or other activities that result in connections for youth, and costs for visits to support or maintain connections.

(B) Supportive services contingency funds.

(i) Eligible youth:

(I) are 18, 19, or 20 years of age and were in OKDHS or tribal custody and out-of-home placement for a cumulative total of nine months or more between 16 to 18 years of age; or

(II) entered adoption or a permanent guardianship with kin after 16 years of age.

(ii) Supported services contingency funds are used for education related expenses, car expenses, furniture, appliances, alternate transportation, clothing, medical expenses, purchased services, such as substance abuse counseling and mentors, work related services, and other miscellaneous services necessary to achieve the youth's IL plan.  Appropriate requests for IL Supportive Services contingency funds include:

(I) car expenses to assist youth when the youth is in school or working and the repairs are necessary to maintain transportation to job or school;

(II) furniture or appliances to assist youth with housing needs  excluding electronic items such as gaming, video, and music equipment;

(III) alternate transportation, such as public transit, bicycles, or gas for carpooling, that assist the youth with transportation when seeking or maintaining employment, education, or medical care;

(IV) clothing, including work clothing;

(V) medical expenses for a youth's medical or dental treatment, prescriptions, eyeglasses, or medical insurance, when these services are not available through other resources;

(VI) counseling and mentoring services for youth to obtain outpatient sliding scale counseling, non-medical substance abuse treatment, or mentoring;

(VII) miscellaneous goods and services, planned with the youth, that assist in completing the goal of transition to independence and are not covered by any other contingency fund or IL service;

(VIII) education related expenses such as tutoring, GED classes and testing, summer, night, and correspondence courses, national college admission examinations, college application fees, tape recorders, calculators, other study aids, and career assessments; and

(IX) work related – expenses such as clothing, uniforms, special shoes and protective wear, inoculations and health tests, and transportation assistance, such as the purchase of a bicycle, taxi fare, gasoline, or bus tickets until the youth receives his or her first paycheck;

(C) Housing contingency funds.

(i) Youth eligible for housing contingency funds were in OKDHS or tribal custody and out-of-home placement on their 18th birthday and have not yet reached 21 years of age.

(ii) Housing contingency funds are:

(I) designated to assist youth with housing in emergency situations; and

(II) used for living expenses, such as rent, utilities, deposits, and food.  Youth, 18 to 21 years of age, who have left care may use IL housing contingency funds for deposits and food to establish the initial post-care living arrangement or for housing assistance to prevent homelessness.

(iii) Payment for housing for youth attending post secondary institutions where dorms are available is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

(iv) Youth may be eligible for a total of six months housing payments.

(v) Housing payments extending beyond two consecutive months require approval from Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) IL Section.

(vi) Youth who take advantage of an IL specialized community home (SCH) or other community supported transitional placement may have three months of housing paid to the IL SCH or transitional placement and still be eligible for an additional six months of housing.

(vii) All subsequent requests for emergencies are considered on a case-by-case basis by CFSD IL Section.

(viii) Appropriate items for IL Housing contingency funds include:

(I) rent deposit;

(II) rent payment;

(III) utility deposit for gas, water, and electric only;

(IV) utility payments for gas, water, and electric only;

(V) food; and

(VI) room and board payments that include rent, utilities, and food.

(D) One time only contingency funds.

(i) Youth eligible for one time only contingency funds are ages:

(I) 16 and 17 in OKDHS or tribal custody in out-of-home placement;

(II) 18 through 20 who were in OKDHS or tribal custody for a cumulative total of nine months or more between ages 16 through 17; and

(III) 16 through 20 who entered a permanent guardianship with kin or adoption at or after age 16.

(ii) The one time only contingency funds are used to purchase goods and services the youth needs on a one time only basis.

(3) Contingency funds limits.  Eligible youth may access:

(A) an item in IL preparation and supported services contingency funds more than once but expenditures may not exceed the cost limit for each item, per youth, per year October 1 through September 30;

(B) graduation expenses only during the year of the youth's graduation; and

(C) one time only contingency funds at any time.

(4) Accessing IL contingency funds for youth in care.  To access preparation or one time only contingency funds for eligible youth, 16 and 17 years of age, or supportive services or one time only contingency funds for eligible youth, ages 18, 19, and 20 years of age in voluntary care, the CW specialist:

(A) prior to requesting contingency funds, determines whether the goods and services are available elsewhere at no cost;

(B) refers to OKDHS Appendix C-19-A, Independent Living Youth Development Funds, for a list of services and goods cost limits and codes available through contingency funds;

(C) discusses goods and services that support the youth's IL case plan with the youth and placement provider during each visit and documents the discussion in KIDS Contracts screen;

(D) negotiates with the vendor obtaining the lowest cost for goods, services, and cost comparisons on all goods and services greater than $200;

(E) completes Form 04IL006E, Request for Independent Living Youth Development Funds, and includes complete vendor information and instructions regarding where the youth development fund payment is mailed;

(F) submits completed Form 04IL006E to the CW supervisor for approval;

(G) emails or faxes the CW supervisor-approved Form 04IL006E to NRCYS, 918-660-3785.  NRCYS IL staff:

(i) processes the request by verifying youth's available funding and determining whether the request supports the youth's IL case plan; and

(ii) faxes approved Form 04IL006E to the contracted fiscal agent who issues the youth development fund payment and mails the payment to the location designated in the instruction section of Form 04IL006E;

(H) enters the goods and services in KIDS Service Log screen;

(I) verifies that the goods and services were received by the youth and advises the youth that the fiscal agent must have all receipts for goods and services for the youth to continue to receive youth development funds;

(J) assists in obtaining the receipts for goods and services if requested by the fiscal agent; and

(K) files Form 04IL006E and any supporting documentation in the youth's case record.

(5) Accessing One Time Only, Supportive Services, and Housing contingency funds for youth, 18, 19, and 20 years of age who left care.  When a youth contacts the current IL community contractor, the contractor:

(A) verifies the youth's eligibility for services and opens a KIDS IL case;

(B) consults with the youth regarding the contingency fund request and how it complements the youth's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency;

(C) when necessary, requests the youth fax or provide verification of employment, housing lease agreement, or car ownership;

(D) when goods and services are needed, completes Form 04IL006E and consults, as needed, with the CW specialist familiar with the youth formerly in OKDHS custody to identify vendors and services in the area where the youth resides;

(E) faxes Form 04IL006E to the contracted fiscal agent.  The contracted fiscal agent issues the contingency fund payment and mails the payment to the location identified in the instruction section of Form 04IL006E;

(F) enters the conversations with the youth in KIDS Contacts screen and documents goods and services received on KIDS Service Log screen; and

(G) when the contractor determines the youth requesting contingency funds may benefit from case management, such as a parenting youth or the youth who is in an unsafe place or relationship, makes an agreement with the youth to allow a case manager to schedule a face-to-face contact.

7.   Incentive payment process for exit interviews.

(1) The Child Welfare (CW) specialist discusses the incentive payment process with eligible youth at age 16 and refers to the list of accomplishment categories and payment schedule outlined in Form 04IL002E, Independent Living (IL) Incentive Payment Worksheet.

(2) To access IL incentive payments, the CW specialist:

(A) conducts an exit interview with the youth using Form 04IL002E two months prior to the youth exiting OKDHS custody or voluntary care after age 18;

(B) offers the youth the opportunity to complete Form 04IL003E, Independent Living Youth Exit Interview, during the exit interview;

(C) completes Form 04IL005E, Independent Living Payment Claim for the youth’s signature;

(D) determines the incentive payment by verifying the youth's accomplishments during the exit interview process;

(E) ensures the youth's address is correct as the incentive payment is mailed to the address listed on Form 04IL005E; and

(F) mails Forms 04IL002E, 04IL003E, and 04IL005E, and required documentation to CFSD IL Section.

8.   IL scholarship and educational opportunities.

(1) Oklahoma Higher Learning Access program (OHLAP).

(A) Section 2601 et seq. of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes (70 O.S. § 2601 et seq.) sets forth a scholarship program for students between the eighth and tenth grade that pays for tuition at an Oklahoma public two-year college or four-year university.

(B) OHLAP application for youth in OKDHS custody.  CFSD IL Section staff initiates enrollment for eligible youth in OHLAP and documents enrollment in KIDS Education and Contacts screens.

(2) Tuition waiver.  70 O.S. § 3230 provides tuition waivers for eligible youth in OKDHS or tribal custody for undergraduate resident tuition at institutions within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education and resident tuition for enrollment in post secondary programs of area vocational-technical districts.

(A) Youth are eligible until they:

(i) earn a baccalaureate degree or program certificate; or

(ii) reach 26 years of age, whichever comes first.

(B) To receive a tuition waiver, the youth must:

(i) have been in the custody of OKDHS or a federally recognized Indian tribe for any nine of the 24 months between his or her 16th and 18th birthdays;

(ii) be an Oklahoma resident;

(iii) have graduated from a high school accredited by the State Board of Education, Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, completed GED requirements or, with approval, from a public high school in states bordering Oklahoma;

(iv) have satisfied admission standards determined by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for first time students;

(v) have secured admission to and enrolled in a post-secondary vocational-technical program that has a cooperative agreement with the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education;

(vi) have graduated from high school or completed the GED during the 1999 - 2000 school year or thereafter; and

(vii) utilize the tuition waiver within three years after reaching age 18.

(C) To access the tuition waiver:

(i) the CW specialist notifies the current IL community contractor or CFSD IL Section staff of a youth who meets the eligibility criteria;

(ii) CFSD notifies Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education of the youth's eligibility;

(iii) Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education provides a list of eligible youth to the colleges and universities; and

(iv) the IL community contractor mails individual tuition waiver eligibility letters to the school or youth.

(3) Lou Hartpence Scholarship.  Funding for post secondary education, either vocational training or college, is available, subject to funding, to assist eligible youth through a privately endowed trust fund established by Mary Louise Hartpence, a former OKDHS employee.

(A) Scholarships are available to youth who:

(i) are in the legal custody of OKDHS; or

(ii) have been released from OKDHS custody within the past six months.

(B) The scholarship award:

(i) may be received in addition to other grants or scholarships and used without restriction;

(ii) is not available for graduate studies, including additional vocational courses, once the youth graduates or completes initial training or certification;

(iii) continues as long as the youth:

(I) maintains a 2.0 grade average;

(II) enrolls in 12 hours or more per semester;

(III) submits verification of enrollment and copies of grades each term or semester to the scholarship committee; and

(IV) is in good standing with the educational institution; and

(iv) allotments are:

(I) $1,000 per year for first and second year recipients;

(II) $2,000 per year for third year recipients; and

(III) $3,000 per year for fourth or more year recipients.

(C) To apply for the Lou Hartpence Scholarship, the eligible youth and CW specialist submit Form 04IL009E, Lou Hartpence Scholarship Application, and all required attachments to CFSD IL Section no later than six months after the date of the youth's 18th birthday, regardless whether the youth has graduated from high school.

(i) Form 04IL009E and all required attachments are reviewed by a scholarship committee that recommends to the Commission for Human Services (Commission) the youth to receive the scholarship monies.

(ii) The Commission approves the recipients for the scholarship awards.

(4) Education and Training Voucher (ETV) program.

(A) The ETV program is a provision of the Independence Act of 1999, Public Law 106-169.  This program makes funding available for post secondary education and training.  Funding may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, transportation, and other miscellaneous and personal items.  An eligible youth is one:

(i) eligible for services under the OKDHS IL program, including a youth who was likely to remain in out-of-home care but attained permanency through legal guardianship after age 16;

(ii) who entered a permanent guardianship with kin or was adopted from out-of-home care after reaching age 16; and

(iii) who participated in the ETV program on his or her 21st birthday until reaching age 23 and enrolled in a post secondary education or training program and has made satisfactory progress towards completion of that program.

(B) Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Access.  To access the ETV program, the CW specialist notifies the current IL community contractor or CFSD IL staff of a youth who:

(i) meets the eligibility criteria; and

(ii) has been accepted into a post secondary education or vocational training program.

9.   Youth Advisory Board.

(1) The CW specialist advises any eligible youth of the Youth Advisory Board and the youth's opportunity to participate.

(2) When a youth indicates a desire to participate in a Youth Advisory Board, the CW specialist contacts the current IL contractor.

(3) Reimbursement for mileage is available for the individual providing the transportation to the Youth Advisory Board.  This reimbursement can be made to the eligible youth, the CW specialist, placement provider, or mentor. Mileage reimbursement requests are submitted to the CFSD IL Coordinator office for approval and processing.

10.  Teen panels.

(1) Eligible youth are 16 to 21 years of age, in OKDHS or tribal custody, in out-of-home placement, or youth formerly in OKDHS custody.

(2) Participation in teen panels.  The CW or tribal worker:

(A) advises any eligible youth of the opportunity to participate on a teen panel;

(B) when a youth indicates a desire to participate on a teen panel, contacts CFSD IL staff to list the youth as an available participant;

(C) submits Form 04IL005E, Independent Living Payment Claim, to the current IL community contractor for payment of the stipend.  The youth receives:

(i) $25 stipend for participating on a teen panel for foster and adoptive parent training; and

(ii) up to $100 stipend for participating on a teen panel for a conference or co-training with CFSD IL staff; and

(D) requests mileage reimbursement for the person, including youth, staff, or foster parent, providing transportation to the teen panel.  Mileage reimbursement requests are submitted to the CFSD IL staff for approval and processing.

11.  Voluntary placement.

(1) Eligibility for voluntary placement. Youth who request voluntary placement must meet the criteria in (A) - (F) of this paragraph.

(A) Youth is appropriate for out-of-home placement.

(B) Placement is available for the youth.

(C) Youth has made a written request for voluntary placement.

(D) Youth agrees to participate in the development of an IL plan outlining the steps to achieve self-sufficiency, participate in IL services and activities, and abide by the plan.

(E) Youth will apply for medical services through Title XIX.

(F) Youth will participate in an approved school or educational program to obtain a GED or high school diploma and seek employment, as appropriate.

(2) Special circumstances for voluntary placement.  Requests for voluntary placement after age 18 for reasons other than completion of high school or GED such as providing care during the summer months following graduation from high school prior to the youth entering college or a vocational program, follow the same procedure as a voluntary placement request.

(3) Youth's benefits or resources.  When the youth receives benefits, the youth signs a notarized statement agreeing to reimburse OKDHS for the cost of care from any benefits or resources available.  When the youth does not wish to reimburse OKDHS from the benefits, the specialist explores with the youth alternatives to voluntary placement which are consistent with the goal of self-sufficiency.  Refer to OAC 340:75-13-28.

(4) Voluntary placement request.  To request voluntary placement, the youth signs Form 04IL001E, Voluntary Placement Request.

(A) Form 04IL001E is submitted to the CW supervisor for approval one month prior to the child's 18th birthday.

(B) When the supervisor approves the voluntary placement request, Form 04IL001E is forwarded to the county director for final approval.

(C) When the youth's request for voluntary placement is approved by the county director, the status type for the official custody is changed to "voluntary" in KIDS and the youth's birth date is used as the status-begin date.

(5) Medical eligibility.  Youth 18 years of age in voluntary OKDHS or tribal placement are eligible for Title XIX Medicaid, known as SoonerCare, under a certified Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) case.

(A) The CW specialist notifies and provides Form 04IL001E, Voluntary Placement Request, to the custody specialist when the youth enters voluntary placement to allow the youth to receive medical benefits.  The CW specialist:

(i) scans Form 04IL001E into the KIDS file cabinet in the Client tab;

(ii) chooses User Generated Form as the document type;

(iii) selects a file name; and

(iv) uses Voluntary Placement Agreement and date – Client Name as the document description.

(B) When a youth exits care at 18 years of age or exits OKDHS or tribal voluntary care between 18 and up to 21 years of age, the CW specialist:

(i) completes the exit interview that includes:

(I) Form 04IL002E, Independent Living (IL) Incentive Payment Worksheet;

(II) Form 04IL003E, Independent Living Youth Exit Interview; and

(III) Form 04IL005E, Independent Living Payment Claim.

(ii) completes pages 1-3 and 11 of non-OKDHS Form SC-1, http://www.okhca.org/publications/pdflib/SCapplication_english.pdf SoonerCare Health Benefits Application, at the time of the exit interview;

(iii) forwards to CFSD Independent Living Section:

(I) Form 04IL002E;

(II) Form 04IL003E;

(III) Form 04IL005E;

(IV) non-OKDHS Form SC-1; and

(V) a copy of the youth's birth certificate; and

(iv) documents in KIDS Contacts that the youth left care at age 18 or left voluntary care at 18, 19, or 20 years of age.

(C) When the youth exiting voluntary OKDHS or tribal care is over 18 years of age, but has not reached his or her 21st birthday, the application is processed and approved by the Family Support Health Related and Medical Services Unit.

(i) The Family Support Health Related and Medical Services Unit forward approved applications to the appropriate local OKDHS human services center where a Family Support Services eligibility worker is assigned.

(ii) CFSD IL Section sends the SoonerCare approval notice and procedure card to the youth.

(D) The youth locates a physician in the youth's local community.

(E) The youth is responsible to contact the local OKDHS human services center at ages 19 and 20 to have the SoonerCare case recertified.

(F) The CW specialist sends Form 04KI002E, Eligibility Determination, to Family Support Health Related and Medical Services Unit to remove the youth from or close the C case, as appropriate, for the youth leaving OKDHS or tribal voluntary foster care.

12.  IL Specialized Community Homes (SCH).  An IL SCH is a residential program for the youth preparing to transition to his or her first IL situation and for youth who have exited care and are homeless or in an unsafe environment.

(1) Eligible youth are:

(A) ages 16 and 17 years of age in OKDHS or tribal custody and in out-of-home placement;

(B) 18 years of age receiving voluntary extended services to complete high school education or GED; and

(C) youth who exited care at age 18 who request an opportunity to participate in the program.

(2) Placement in a SCH.  The CW specialist:

(A) follows procedures in OAC 340:75-11-233 when making a placement request for youth ages 17.3 to 18 in OKDHS custody;

(B) contacts CFSD IL Section when making a placement request for youth 18, 19, and 20 years of age in voluntary care; and

(C) refers youth who exited care at age 18 to the Youth In Care Alumni Network (YESICAN) toll-free number, 800-397-2945, for placement assistance.  These youth are then referred to CFSD IL Section.