(a) Purpose.  Emergency foster care (EFC) is short-term substitute care for children in the custody of Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) provided by a contract agency to meet the child's needs through service coordination and delivery in conjunction with OKDHS.

(b) Admissions.

• (1) Shelters.  The Pauline E. Mayer, Laura Dester, and J. Roy Dunning Children's shelters are the primary points of admission to EFC.
  • (A) Children eligible for EFC.
    • (i) A child younger than six years of age is eligible for EFC.  A child who reaches age six while in EFC remains eligible for the service.
    • (ii) When it is appropriate, per OAC 340:75-6-30, and in the best interests of the child younger than six years of age to have his or her sibling between the ages of six through nine years or minor parent placed in the same placement, a plan is negotiated with the contractor and OKDHS.
    • (iii) The placement of a child older than six years of age occurs only after written approval from Children and Family Services Division Foster Care Section.
  • (B) Admission from shelter.  Shelter staff contacts the contract agency by phone and provides available information about the child's medical, educational, social, routine, and special care needs as required to select an appropriate placement.  This information is provided to the contract agency upon discharge from the shelter and includes:
    • (i) the shelter intake sheet with all available information;
    • (ii) all personal possessions;
    • (iii) medications and equipment;
    • (iv) Form 04FE011E, Authorization for Foster Parent Consent for Medical Services – Emergency Custody, or Form 04FE009E, Authorization for Foster Parent Consent for Medical Services; and
    • (v) Form 15GR004E, Notice of Grievance Rights - Minors in OKDHS Custody.  Shelter and contract agency staff coordinate admission.
• (2) Hospitals.  When a child in inpatient hospital care for treatment of medical conditions related to abuse, neglect, or illness requires EFC placement, relevant background and care information is provided to the contract agency to assist in identifying an appropriate placement.  Priority for placement into EFC is given to children discharged from hospitals.  The contract agency identifies an appropriate EFC placement and coordinates the hospital discharge date, time, and any special training required with the provider and notifies OKDHS.  • 1
• (3) Other EFC admissions.  A child who is diverted to a non-OKDHS operated shelter or remains in current placement pending admission into EFC is placed on a waiting list maintained by the OKDHS liaison.  Admissions occur as beds become available.  • 2

(c) Roles and responsibilities.  • 3

• (1) CW worker.  The Child Welfare (CW) worker remains the primary connection among the child, parent(s), EFC agency, EFC provider, OKDHS liaison, other service providers, and court while the child is in EFC.  The CW worker visits the child placed in EFC per OAC 340:75-6-48.  At the time of admission or as soon as possible after placement, the CW worker provides the necessary information about the child to the EFC provider, including:
  • (A) behavioral, psychological, and social history;
  • (B) previous medical care;
  • (C) legal documentation verifying OKDHS custody status;
  • (D) religious affiliation; and
  • (E) Form 04KI004E, Placement Provider Information.
• (2) OKDHS liaison.  The OKDHS liaison assists the EFC agency, staff, and providers in maintaining effective working relationships with OKDHS staff by providing support and consultation regarding respective roles and responsibilities.
• (3) EFC agency.  The EFC agency ensures the availability of qualified, trained staff and EFC providers 24 hours a day for the placement and care of eligible children.  The EFC agency coordinates with the CW worker to afford the child all services that promote the child's progress and ensures that the child's total care needs are met while in placement.  To facilitate movement of children from EFC to another placement, weekly staffings occur between the CW worker and the contract agency.  • 4

(d) Discharge from EFC.

• (1) Notice.  When discharge from EFC to another type of placement is made, the contract agency is given as much advance notice as possible, but not less than two hours.
  • (A) The CW worker notifies the contract agency of the planned move in writing, using the Client Movement Authorization Form provided by the contract agency, and coordinates the date and time for placement.
  • (B) The CW worker shares information to assist the EFC provider in preparing the child for the move.
  • (C) The contract agency transports the child to the county office or site designated for pick-up by the CW worker or staff responsible for completing the new placement.
• (2) Change of placement information accompanies the child.  All forms completed by the EFC provider while the child is in care assist the new provider in helping the child adjust to the new placement, provide information needed for continuity of care, and alert the new provider of the child's special needs and strengths.  These forms are not given to the parent(s) if the child is returning home.  Required information and items include:
  • (A) all medications, with instructions for dosage and use;
  • (B) equipment or supplies required for the child's special care;
  • (C) dates of any follow-up appointments;
  • (D) personal items, unused OKDHS clothing authorizations, and clothing purchased by OKDHS, including disposable diapers;
  • (E) Women, Infants and Children (WIC) vouchers, non-perishable food, and other items obtained through WIC; and
  • (F) at least a 24-hour supply of formula, baby food, and other items for immediate use by the new provider.