22.8 Financial and Non-Financial Supports for Children in Foster Care or Who Have Achieved Permanency

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
Child Welfare Policy Manual

Chapter:

(22) Kinship

Policy Title:

Financial and Non-Financial Supports for Children in Foster Care or Who Have Achieved Permanency

Policy Number:

22.8

Previous Policy Number(s):

N/A

Effective Date:

March 2022

Manual Transmittal:

2022-02

Codes/References

N/A

Requirements

The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) will:

  1. Discuss with prospective caregivers the financial supports available for children in foster care or when children achieve permanency from foster care:

    1. For Placement:

      1. Foster Care Per Diem

      2. Enhanced Relative Rate (ERR)

      3. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

    2. For Permanency:

      1. Adoption Assistance (AA) (see policy 12.1 Adoption Assistance: Eligibility-Adoption Assistance Payments, Medicaid and Non-Recurring)

      2. Subsidized Guardianship (SG)

      3. Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship (NRSG)

      4. TANF

  2. Discuss non-financial supports with prospective placement or permanency caregivers of children in DFCS custody (see Practice Guidance for non-financial supports).

  3. Utilize the following eligibility criteria for ERR payments for children in foster care:

    1. The child is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States (U.S.);

      If the child is undocumented, the caregiver must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.

    2. The kinship caregiver meets the TANF specified degree of relationship as outlined in Practice Guidance: TANF Specified Degrees of Relationship and TANF Manual 1335 Living with a Specified Relative.

    3. There is an approved Kinship Assessment or abbreviated Kinship Assessment (see policy 22.3 Kinship: Kinship Assessment); and

      If the placement is made subject to an approved abbreviated Kinship Assessment or Kinship Assessment, foster home approval must be completed within 120 days from the date of the placement (see Practice Guidance: Enhanced Relative Rate).

    4. An Enhanced Relative Rate Application or Agreement has been completed and signed by the caregiver and approved by the County Director/Designee.

  4. Utilize the following eligibility criteria for SG payments for children in foster care who achieve permanency through permanent guardianship with a kinship caregiver who meets the TANF degree of relationship:

    1. The child is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.;

    2. The income of the child, excluding the child’s wages is less than the amount of the SG payments;

    3. The kinship caregiver meets the TANF degree of relationship as outlined in Practice Guidance: TANF Specified Degree of Relationship and TANF Manual 1335 Living with a Specified Relative;

    4. There is an approved Kinship Assessment or current approved foster family home evaluation;

    5. A Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement has been completed and signed by the caregiver and approved by the County Director/Designee;

      The Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement must be signed by the caregiver prior to the transfer of permanent guardianship.

    6. Non-reunification was granted by the court and verified via a court order;

    7. The caregiver was granted permanent guardianship of the child until age 18; and

    8. The child has resided with the caregiver under DFCS supervision for a minimum of six months prior to the transfer of permanent guardianship.

    DFCS has opted out of the Title IV-E Kinship Guardianship Program and therefore, the requirements of Section (2)(E)(2) of the State Plan for IV-E for Title XIX and Title XX related to a child receiving a kinship guardianship payment being a dependent child and a recipient of AFDC (as in effect 7/16/96) are not applicable.

  5. Utilize the following eligibility criteria for NRSG payments for children in foster care who achieve permanency through permanent guardianship with a kinship caregiver:

    1. The child is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.;

    2. The income of the child, excluding the child’s wages, is less than the amount of the NRSG payments;

    3. There is an approved Kinship Assessment or current approved foster family home evaluation;

    4. A Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement has been completed and signed by the caregiver and approved by the County Director/Designee;

      The Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement must be signed by the caregiver prior to the transfer of permanent guardianship.

    5. Non-reunification was granted by the court and verified via a court order;

    6. The caregiver was granted permanent guardianship of the child until age 18; and

    7. The child has resided with the caregiver under DFCS supervision for a minimum of six months prior to the transfer of permanent guardianship.

  6. Utilize the following effective and initiation dates for subsidy payments:

    1. For ERR: Initiate the subsidy payments upon the approval of the Kinship Assessment/abbreviated Kinship Assessment and the Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement. Payments are effective from the first day of the child’s placement in the caregiver’s home.

    2. For SG or NRSG: Initiate the subsidy payments the first day of the month following the transfer of permanent guardianship. Payments are effective from the first day of the month following the transfer of permanent guardianship.

    If the caregiver is receiving TANF payments for the child, subsidy payments are effective the first day of the month following the termination of TANF as TANF payments are made for the entire month.

  7. Verify funding availability prior to the initiation of subsidy payments.

  8. Make subsidy payments based on funding availability until the child reaches their 18th birthday.

    If the child has reached their 18th birthday and is still enrolled and participating in a public or private education program (K through 12), registered home study program or accredited GED course, the subsidy payments will continue until the child reaches his/her 19th birthday. This exception is intended to support the child working towards the completion of high school or GED.

  9. Maintain responsibility for subsidy payments as long as a Georgia court retains legal jurisdiction, and the child remains eligible. If the child moves out-of-state the legal county is responsible for making the subsidy payments.

  10. Refrain from transferring SG or NRSG payments from one caregiver to another.

  11. Suspend subsidy payments when any of the following occurs:

    1. For ERR:

      1. The required 12-month subsidy review is not completed timely (see policy 22.9 Kinship: Subsidy Review);

      2. The whereabouts of the child and/or caregiver become unknown;

      3. The child is on runaway status for 30 days or longer.

    2. For SG or NRSG:

      1. The required six and annual (12-month) subsidy review is not completed timely;

      2. The caregiver dies, and the agency is attempting to initiate subsidy payments to another caregiver;

      3. The whereabouts of the child and/or the caregiver becomes unknown;

      4. The child is on runaway status for 30 days or longer;

      5. The child is not enrolled and participating in a public or private school system, registered home study program or accredited GED course;

      6. The child’s monthly income, excluding the child’s wages, is equal to or exceeds the amount of the subsidy.

        The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the subsidy programs as income to the child; therefore, the child is rarely eligible to receive both. Any subsidy paid will need to be reported to the SSA and the child’s benefits from SSA will be reduced and/or eliminated.

  12. Terminate subsidy payments when any of the following occurs:

    1. For ERR:

      1. The payment has been suspended for at least three months;

      2. The child dies;

      3. The parent moves into the caregiver’s home or is caring for the child;

        This includes any legal or putative parents.

      4. The child is no longer living with the caregiver;

      5. The caregiver has become approved as a foster home and the foster care per diem has been initiated.

      6. The caregiver has not completed the requirements for foster family home approval within 120 days of the child’s placement in the home, and the delay in completing the approval requirements was caused by the caregiver ERR should also be terminated (see Practice Guidance: Enhanced Relative Rate).

      7. Maltreatment is substantiated against the caregiver and the child is removed from the home;

      8. The whereabouts of the child and/or caregiver remain unknown for at least three months;

      9. The child is on runaway status for 90 days or longer;

        Reinstatement requires a justification and Regional Director approval.

      10. The child is incarcerated for 90 days or longer or will not be released from incarceration until after his/her 18th birthday (reinstatement requires a justification and Regional Director approval);

      11. The child is returned to the parent, guardian or legal custodian;

      12. The child marries;

      13. The child reaches their 18th birthday. If the child has reached their 18th birthday and is still enrolled and participating in a public or private education program, registered home study program or accredited GED course, ERR payments will terminate when the child reaches his/her 19th birthday.

    2. For SG or NRSG:

      1. The payment has been suspended for at least three months;

      2. The child dies;

      3. The parent moves into the caregiver’s home or is caring for the child;

        This includes any legal or putative parents.

      4. The child is no longer living with the caregiver;

      5. Maltreatment is substantiated against the caregiver and the child is removed from the home;

      6. The whereabouts of the child and/or caregiver remain unknown for at least three months;

      7. The child is on runaway status for 90 days or longer;

        Reinstatement requires a justification and Regional Director approval.

      8. The child is incarcerated for 90 days or longer or will not be released from incarceration until after his/her 18th birthday (reinstatement requires a justification and Regional Director approval);

      9. The child is returned to the parent, guardian or legal custodian;

      10. The child’s income, excluding the child’s wages, is equal to or greater than the subsidy;

        The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers the subsidy programs as income to the child; therefore, the child is rarely eligible to receive both. Any subsidy paid will need to be reported to the SSA and the child’s benefits from SSA will be reduced and/or eliminated.

      11. The child marries;

      12. The child reaches their 18th birthday. If the child has reached their 18th birthday and is still enrolled and participating in a public or private education program, registered home study program or accredited GED course, SG/NRSG payments will terminate when the child reaches his/her 19th birthday.

    Any of these circumstances require prompt notification to the legal county’s Regional Accounting to ensure action is taken to terminate ERR/SG/NRSG.

  13. Reinstate terminated subsidies upon the approval of the County Director. Additional approval is required as follows:

    1. The Regional Director shall approve the reinstatement if the child was on runaway or incarcerated longer than 90 days.

    2. The State Office Placement and Permanency Section shall approve reinstatement when a child is returned to the caregiver after a child abuse allegation/investigation.

      The County Department shall conduct a staffing with the Field Program Specialist and State Office Placement and Permanency Section prior to returning the child to a caregiver and reinstating the subsidy when the child was removed subsequent to a child abuse allegation/investigation.

  14. Recoup overpayments from caregivers as follows:

    1. Negotiate a recoupment or repayment agreement with any caregiver who receives an overpayment of ERR, SG or NRSG within five business days of knowledge of the overpayment;

    2. Consult with the State Office Placement and Permanency Section for consideration of a referral to the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of General Counsel for further action including possible legal proceedings:

      1. When the caregiver refuses to enter a Recoupment/Repayment Agreement;

      2. When the caregiver misses a total of two monthly payments;

      3. When the caregiver fails to comply with the terms of the recoupment/repayment agreement;

      4. Anytime fraud or abuse is suspected.

  15. Document all case management activities related to the financial and non-financial supports in Georgia SHINES within 72 hours of occurrence, including uploading supporting documents in External Documentation.

  16. Designate an individual to manage the ERR/RCS/SG/NRSG case record, monitor payments, and complete the required subsidy reviews (see Practice Guidance: Maintaining Records for Subsidies).

  17. Ensure ongoing review of all subsidies (ERR/RCS/SG/NRSG) in accordance with policy 22.9 Kinship: Subsidy Review.

Procedures

Discuss Supports with Prospective Kinship Caregivers

Financial and Non-Financial Supports

The Social Services Case Manager (SSCM), in coordination with the Kinship Coordinator will:

  1. Prior to the placement of a child in DFCS custody with a prospective kinship caregiver, discuss the following:

    1. Availability and eligibility of financial and non-financial supports for the placement or permanency of a child in DFCS custody. For a detailed explanation of available supports refer to Practice Guidance: Financial Supports and Non-financial Supports; and Forms and Tools: Guide to Kinship Caregiver Supports;

    2. Benefits and criteria for kin to become foster parents for a child in foster care (see policy 14.1 Resource Development: Safety and Quality Standards (SQS) and 22.4 Kinship: Kinship Foster Home Evaluation;

    3. Initial funding available for kin caregivers who meet the TANF degree of relationship pending foster family home approval.

    4. Caregivers who does not meet the TANF degree of relationship must become a foster parent to receive financial assistance to care for the child while him/her is in foster care.

  2. Document the discussion with the prospective caregiver in Georgia SHINES within 72 hours of occurrence.

Initiation of ERR Payments

The SSCM will:

  1. Determine if the child and caregiver meet eligibility criteria as follows:

    1. Verify the child is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.;

      If the child is undocumented, verity the caregiver is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.

    2. Verify that caregiver meets the TANF degree of relationship as outlined in Practice Guidance: TANF Specified Degree of Relationship and TANF Manual 1335 Living with a Specified Relative;

    3. Verify the approval of the Kinship Assessment or an abbreviated Kinship Assessment in Georgia SHINES;

    4. Complete and obtain approval of the Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement:

      1. Discuss and review all of the terms and conditions that are outlined in the Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement with the caregiver(s).

      2. Request the caregiver(s) complete and sign the Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement. Provide assistance as needed.

      3. Obtain the approval from the County Director/ Designee.

      4. Upload the approved Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement Georgia SHINES External Documentation.

      If the caregiver is out-of-state, request assistance from the out-of-state caseworker to complete the application (see policy 15.2 Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): Placement of Georgia Children into Other States (Georgia as the Sending State)).

  2. Complete and obtain approval of the Payment of Care (POC) and updated Placement Information in Georgia SHINES.

  3. Submit a copy of the approved Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement to Regional Accounting.

    Electronic submission is acceptable.

  4. Notify the Office of Family Independence (OFI) to terminate any TANF payments being made on the child’s behalf.

Initiation of SG/NRSG Payments

The SSCM will:

  1. Discuss supports available for the care of the child once permanent guardianship is granted, including:

    1. The benefits and impact of available funding;

    2. Medical insurance options;

    3. The current services being provided and whether the child remains eligible;

    4. Additional services that may be needed.

  2. Determine that eligibility criteria have been met:

    1. Verify through monthly purposeful visits that the child has been in the placement for a minimum of six months prior to the transfer of permanent guardianship to the caregiver from DFCS custody;

    2. Verify that the child is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.;

    3. Confirm that the income of the child, excluding the child’s wages, is less than the amount of the SG/NRSG payments;

    4. For SG payments, verify that the caregiver meets the TANF specified degree of relationship as outlined in Practice Guidance: TANF Specified Degree of Relationship and TANF Manual 1335 Living with a Specified Relative;

    5. Verify the approval of a Kinship Assessment or current foster family home evaluation;

    6. Confirm that the caregiver is an approved resource with a contract in Georgia SHINES;

    7. Complete and obtain approval of the Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement:

      1. Review and discuss all of the terms and conditions that are outlined in the Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement with the caregiver(s).

      2. Request the caregiver(s) complete and sign the Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement. Provide assistance if needed.

      3. Obtain approval from the County Director/Designee.

      4. Upload the approved Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement to Georgia SHINES External Documentation.

      The Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement must be completed prior to the transfer of permanent guardianship to the caregiver. If the caregiver resides out-of-state, request assistance from the out-of-state caseworker to assist the caregiver in completing the Application and Agreement see policy 15.2 Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): Placement of Georgia Children into Other States (Georgia as the Sending State)).

    8. Review the court order to verify:

      1. Non-reunification has been granted by the court; and

      2. The caregiver(s) was granted permanent guardianship of the child until age 18.

  3. Complete and obtain approval of the Payment of Care (POC) and updated Placement Information in Georgia SHINES.

  4. Submit a copy of the completed and approved Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement and applicable court orders to Regional Accounting.

    Electronic submission is acceptable.

Changes in Household Circumstances

The SSCM will:

  1. Determine if the caregiver is caring for a child in DFCS custody.

  2. Immediately assess the impact the reported change has on the safety and well-being of the child(ren) and the eligibility for ERR/RCS/SG/NRSG (see policy 22.9 Kinship: Subsidy Review).

  3. Initiate a staffing with the Social Services Supervisor (SSS) within 72 hours to discuss:

    1. The reported changes and the impact on the child’s safety and well-being;

    2. Whether the child is in DFCS’ custody or the permanent custody or guardianship of the caregiver.

    Immediately staff any safety concerns.

  4. Document the staffing outcome of the Contact Detail page in Georgia SHINES.

  5. Suspend or terminate the subsidy payments, if required.

  6. Document the changes in the household circumstances, the impact on child safety and well-being, and any changes to the eligibility status of the subsidy payments in the Narrative section of the Contact Detail page of Georgia SHINES within 72 hours.

  7. Notify Regional Accounting and the Resource Maintainer of changes.

Termination of Subsidy Payments

The SSCM will:

  1. Provide written notification to the caregiver and child at the last known address, indicating:

    1. The reason(s) for the termination;

    2. The effective date of the termination; and

    3. Whether any action can be taken to reinstate the subsidy.

  2. Provide prompt written notification to Regional Accounting indicating:

    1. The termination of the subsidy;

    2. The effective date of the termination;

    3. The reason for the termination.

  3. Indicate on the Relative Care Per Diem Report provided by Regional Accounting that the subsidy has been terminated.

  4. End date the placement on the Placement Detail page and update the Kinship Care Assessment tabs in Georgia SHINES as needed.

  5. Terminate the POC in Georgia SHINES.

  6. Close the Post Foster Care (PFC) stage in Georgia SHINES if the SG or NRSG payment is terminating.

Reinstatement of Terminated Subsidy Payments

The SSCM will:

  1. Stage progress an intake to the PFC stage to initiate the case in accordance with policy 3.30 Intake: Non-Incident Request Types (DJJ, ICPC, PAD, and PFC).

  2. Conduct a purposeful visit at the home with the child and caregiver to complete a renewal evaluation:

    1. Interview the caregiver and the child separately to assess the following (see policy 10.18 Foster Care: Purposeful Contacts in Foster Care):

      1. Current family functioning.

      2. The caregiver’s capacity to continue to provide for the child(ren)'s safety, permanency and well-being.

      3. Reason the subsidy was terminated.

      4. Reason the subsidy needs to be reinstated.

    2. Discuss and have the caregiver complete the Subsidy Review.

    3. Conduct a walkthrough of the home to assess the current home environment (see policy 10.18 Foster Care: Purposeful Contacts in Foster Care)

    4. Obtain verification regarding the child’s income or information on any new household members.

  3. Contact collaterals including the school, health care providers, other service providers and other relevant parties to obtain/verify information.

    An Authorization for the Release of Information form must be signed by the caregiver before any contact is made with professional collaterals.

  4. Discuss the terms of the Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement with the caregiver and obtain appropriate signatures on the form.

  5. Inform the caregiver that the reinstatement must be approved by the County Director, Regional Director or State Office Placement and Permanency Section based on the case circumstances.

  6. Participate in a staffing with the SSS, County Director (include Regional Director and State Office Permanency Unit when required) to discuss the following:

    1. Safety of the home environment;

    2. The caregiver’s protective capacities to continue to provide for the child’s safety, permanency and well-being;

    3. Any changes in household composition, income, well-being needs and/or visitation with the parents;

    4. Collateral information obtained;

    5. Reason the subsidy was terminated, and reason reinstatement is needed;

    6. Approval decision to reinstate the subsidy.

  7. Obtain appropriate signature of approval on the Application and Agreement.

  8. Complete a new POC and update the Placement tab in Georgia SHINES.

  9. Provide Regional Accounting with a copy of the approved application and agreement.

  10. Provide the caregiver with a copy of the approved application and agreement.

  11. Document all activities related to the reinstatement in the Narrative on the Contact Detail page within 72 hours of occurrence.

Recoupment or Repayment of Overpayments

When a change in household circumstances results in an over payment of ERR, SG or NRSG, the SSCM will:

  1. Notify the caregiver via written correspondence of the overpayment and the need for a meeting to discuss recoupment/repayment.

  2. Conduct a face-to-face meeting with the caregiver to discuss the reason for the overpayment and the need to recoup the funds.

  3. Negotiate a recoupment/repayment agreement.

  4. Obtain appropriate signatures on the recoupment/repayment agreement.

Family Receiving Subsidy Relocates Out-of-County or Out-of-State

When the family moves out-of-county, the SSCM will:

  1. Provide written notification to the DFCS office in the new county of residence indicating:

    1. The family’s subsidy status and relocation to their county;

    2. Request a purposeful visit to the family’s new residence to:

      1. Verify the family’s new address;

      2. Update the application and agreement with the new address; and

      3. Ensure the child’s safety and well-being.

  2. Upon receipt of confirmation/approval of the current residence, document the confirmation/approval in the Narrative of the Contact Detail and update the address of the caregiver in the Person Detail page in Georgia SHINES within 72 hours.

  3. Upload the updated application and agreement in Georgia SHINES External Documentation.

  4. Notify Regional Accounting and the Resource Maintainer of the family’s new address.

  5. Ensure the legal county completes any renewal assessments.

    It is the court’s discretion to maintain or negotiate a transfer of jurisdiction to another venue.

When the family moves to another state, the legal county SSCM will:

  1. Notify the other state of the child’s status and relocation to their state. Notifications of the child’s custody and subsidy status are sent through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) to the other state following any current ICPC guidelines governing the two case types:

    1. Children in the legal custody of DFCS; or

    2. Children no longer in DFCS custody, but for whom permanent guardianship (until age 18) has been transferred to a caregiver.

  2. For cases where the child is in DFCS custody:

    1. Follow all ICPC guidelines regarding the child relocating to another state (see policy 15.6 Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC): Court Jurisdiction Cases and Other ICPC Components);

    2. Notify Regional Accounting and the Resource Maintainer of the family’s relocation.

  3. For cases where permanent guardianship has been transferred to a caregiver:

    1. Submit with the ICPC request the following information:

      1. Court order granting permanent guardianship;

      2. Comprehensive Child and Family Assessment;

      3. Kinship Assessment;

      4. Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement;

      5. Parents’ names;

      6. Name(s) of the caregiver(s);

      7. Child’s name and date of birth;

      8. New address;

      9. Date of move;

      10. Identifying information from the court of jurisdiction and DFCS agency responsible for continuation of the subsidy payments and agency (annual) renewal report.

    2. Request the receiving state send a written report, based on a home visit and face-to-face interview with the family and child (if appropriate).

The SSS will:

  1. Review and make an approval determination on the following, as appropriate:

    1. Kinship Assessment (including approval of an abbreviated Kinship Assessment for an immediate placement);

    2. Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement;

    3. Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement;

    4. Subsidy Recoupment/Repayment Agreement

  2. Confirm through a review of Georgia SHINES that all portions of the abbreviated Kinship Assessment for an immediate placement is completed prior to the placement of the child in the home.

  3. Initiate a staffing to discuss:

    1. Initiation of any subsidies

    2. Changes in the caregiver’s household circumstances including:

      1. Any impact the changes have on child safety and/or eligibility for the subsidy

      2. Whether the subsidy needs to be suspended or terminated

      3. Any additional information that is needed

      4. Next steps with the family or case

    3. Barriers that may lead to the termination of ERR including the caregiver’s not completing the requirements to become approved as a foster family home;

    4. Reinstatement of terminated subsidies;

    5. Recoupment or repayment of any overpayments.

  4. Ensure the SSCM provides appropriate notifications including written notification to:

    1. The caregiver prior to any termination of the subsidy;

    2. Regional Accounting regarding the termination of any subsidy;

    3. The caregiver of an overpayment and the need to discuss recoupment or repayment;

    4. Another county or state that a family receiving a subsidy has relocated to their area.

Practice Guidance

Financial Supports

Federal and state funds that support the financial programs available for the placement or permanency of children in DFCS custody. Because of constraints with these funding streams, it is imperative that SSCMs are good stewards of these funds. Caregivers should be thoroughly assessed to determine their appropriateness as well as the supports they will need to properly care for the child. The family’s circumstances should be monitored to ensure continued eligibility for the programs. When it is determined that a caregiver is no longer eligible to receive the financial support provided, the SSCM must act expeditiously to ensure the financial assistance ceases and that any overpayments are repaid.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

A federally funded grant program that provides monthly financial assistance to needy families so children may be cared for in their own homes. The caregiver must follow the application procedures established by the agency’s Office of Family Independence (OFI) and meet all eligibility requirements, including being a specified relative. Refer to the TANF Policy Manual: Chapter 1300.

If a caregiver is approved for another subsidy, OFI must be immediately notified to stop TANF payments. A caregiver may only receive one financial subsidy at a time.

Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

A federally funded grant program that provides monthly benefits to low-income households to help pay for the cost of food. The caregiver must complete and submit an application for SNAP to the Office of Family Independence for eligibility review. See Food Stamps Policy Manual: Chapter 3000.

Foster Care Per Diem

A monthly financial payment received by approved foster family homes for a child in foster care in Georgia. The amount of the per diem is based upon the child’s age and changes accordingly. A caregiver may receive the foster care per diem after completing all the requirements for becoming an approved foster family home (see policy 14.0 Resource Development: Introduction to Resource Development).

Initial or Annual Clothing Allowance

Children in DFCS custody are eligible to receive an initial and annual clothing allowance as outlined in the COSTAR Manual.

Sibling Incentive

A Sibling Incentive (SI) is paid for each sibling in addition to the per diem, if eligible. To be eligible, the siblings must be placed together in groups of three or more in a foster family home (including kinship foster home). The SI continues as long as the siblings remain together; at least three or more siblings remain in the same foster home; or the sibling group achieves permanency. Refer to the COSTAR Manual for more information.

Adoption Assistance

Refer to policy 12.0 Adoption Assistance: Introduction to Adoption Assistance for detailed information on adoption assistance.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/

Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI)/Child Support

An application must be submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and/or the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) to become the payee for a child in DFCS’ custody receiving SSI/RSDI, or child support. DFCS receives the benefit payments while the child is in DFCS custody. The funds are used to meet the child’s needs. As subsidy payments and SSI are both federally funded, a child is ineligible to receive funding from both programs. Any DFCS subsidy payment will be reduced dollar for dollar against the SSI. SSI payments may not be sent from DFCS directly to the caregiver (see Field Fiscal Services’ Administrative Policies and Procedures manual Financial Section II: 2400 Restricted Funds regarding the distribution of SSI funds received on behalf of a child).

If permanent guardianship is transferred from DFCS to a caregiver, the SSCM notifies the SSA and request that payee responsibility be transferred to the new legal guardian. A copy of the notification should be given to the caregiver and a copy placed in the subsidy file.

Prevention of Unnecessary Placement (PUP)

See policy 18.3 Support Services to Preserve or Reunify Families: Prevention of Unnecessary Placement and COSTAR Manual for eligibility and services provided through PUP.

Subsidy Programs: ERR, SG, NRSG, RCS

These are financial supports for a child in foster care placed with an approved kinship caregiver or transferred to the permanent guardianship of an approved caregiver to help defray basic expenses that otherwise may jeopardize the child’s opportunity to experience stability and permanence. Payments must be used for the child’s needs or expenses, such as clothing, special dietary needs, medical and dental care, special educational needs not covered by P.L. 94-142, childcare expenses, extracurricular activities, mental health services/counseling. The monthly subsidy payments are less than the basic foster care per diem for the child’s age. A caregiver may not receive a subsidy and foster care per diem in the same month. Initiation of a subsidy should not result in a break in financial payments for meeting the needs of the child, Medicaid coverage, or childcare services.

Timely approval of the caregiver’s home is necessary to ensure safety of the child and for the caregiver to have the necessary financial supports to help meet the child’s needs.

Parents (biological, legal, putative, adoptive, stepparents, etc.), are not eligible to receive these subsidies. Caregivers from whom the child was removed and placed in foster care (removal home), are also not eligible to receive these subsidies. See COSTAR Manual for more information on the Subsidy Programs

Enhanced Relative Rate (ERR):

UAS Code 542, 548

Provides an initial monthly financial payment to assist with the basic care of a child in Georgia DFCS custody placed with a caregiver who meets the TANF degree of relationship, while the caregiver completes the foster family home approval process. ERR payments follow a rate/age schedule. ERR payments must be terminated prior to receipt of the Foster Care Per Diem. ERR may be terminated if the caregiver fails to complete the foster home approval process within 120 days of the child being placed in their home.

Prior to the termination of ERR due to the caregiver not completing the requirements for foster home approval within 120 days of the child’s placement in their home, the SSCM, SSS, and Kinship Coordinator should make efforts to address barriers that may be causing the delay. If a viable solution cannot be reached, other kin caregivers should be explored. If the County determines that it is in the best interest of the children to remain with the current caregiver, despite not completing the foster home approval process, a final decision regarding the continuation of the foster care placement and ERR shall be obtained from the Regional Director or Designee. In order to remain a placement resource, the full Kinship Assessment will need to be completed and approved.

Subsidized Guardianship (SG):

UAS Code 552

A monthly financial payment that follows a rate/age schedule. SG payments are initiated after non-reunification is granted, the child has been placed with the caregiver who meets the TANF degree of relationship, for at least six months under DFCS supervision, and permanent guardianship is transferred to the caregiver. Only children who achieved permanency via a permanent guardianship from Georgia DFCS custody are eligible for SG. Other eligibility criteria and restrictions apply.

Policy prior to August 1, 2014 allowed for caregivers to receive either an enhanced subsidized guardianship for relative caregivers (ERSG). If the ERSG (type and amount) was initiated prior to August 1, 2014 payments will continue to be available upon renewal, continued eligibility and funding availability.

Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship (NRSG):

UAS Code 550

A monthly financial payment that follows a rate/age schedule. NRSG payments are initiated after non-reunification is granted, the child has been placed with the caregiver for at least 6 months under DFCS supervision, and permanent guardianship is transferred to the caregiver. Only children who achieved permanency via a permanent guardianship from Georgia DFCS custody are eligible for NRSG. Other eligibility criteria and restrictions apply.

Policy prior to August 1, 2014 allowed for eligible caregivers to receive or an enhanced subsidized guardianship for non-relative caregivers (ENRSG). If the ENRSG (type and amount) was initiated prior to August 1, 2014, payments will continue to be available upon renewal, continued eligibility and funding availability.

Relative Care Subsidy (RCS)/Enhanced Relative Care Subsidy (ERCS):

UAS Code 553

RCS/ERCS was available prior to January 1, 2014, for relatives providing a permanent placement for children in DFCS custody through a permanent custody. Effective January 1, 2014, RCS/ERCS shall no longer be selected as a financial option for relatives as state law no longer recognizes “live with a fit and willing relative” as a permanent placement for children. Children receiving the subsidy prior to January 1, 2014 shall continue to be eligible to receive it as long as all other eligibility criteria are met and funding continues to be available.

Non-Financial Supports

Formal or informal services that are crucial in addressing the child’s needs, support caregiving, facilitate or preserve the placement, and support permanency for children in DFCS custody. The SSCM should discuss with caregivers, the availability and eligibility criteria of services available to them and the children in their care.

Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS)

Refer to policy 10.16 Foster Care: Childcare and Early Education

HeadStart or Early HeadStart

Refer to policy 10.16 Foster Care: Childcare and Early Education

Respite Care

Refer to policy 14.18 Resource Development: Supervision of Children

Supplemental supervision or other alternative supervision

Refer to policy 14.18 Resource Development: Supervision of Children

Mental or behavioral health services

For the child, kinship caregiver or household member

Parent Aide

Refer to policy 18.4 Support Services to Preserve or Reunify Families: Parent Aide Services

Homestead

Refer to policy 18.5 Support Services to Preserve or Reunify Families: Homestead

Wrap-Around Services

Refer to policy 18.6 Support Services to Preserve or Reunify Families: Wrap-Around Services

Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF)

Refer to policy 18.2 Support Services to Preserve or Reunify Families: Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF)

Medicaid or other medical coverage

Refer to policy 9.2 Eligibility: Applying for Medical Services at Initial Entry and Exit

Emergency Assistance and Referrals

Assistance to facilitate or maintain the placement determined by the SSCM/Kinship Coordinator assessment. Assistance may include clothing, food, furniture, utility assistance or other basic items

Training/educational support

Support the child, caregiver or household member

TANF Specified Degree of Relationship

To receive ERR or SG, the relative must meet the TANF degree of relationship criteria. The following relationships meet the requirement:

  1. Grandparent (up to great-great-great)

  2. Sibling (half, whole, step)

  3. Aunt/uncle (up to great-great)

  4. Niece/nephew (including child and grandchild of niece/nephew).

  5. First cousin

  6. First cousin once removed (the child of a first cousin)

This includes the spouse of any person named in the above group even after the marriage is terminated by death or divorce, unless the child is born after termination of the marriage. The spouse of a stepparent or the spouse of a stepsibling is not within the specified degree of relationship.

To establish a child’s relationship to a paternal relative, paternity must first be legally established. Verification of the degree of relationship must be documented in Georgia SHINES.

The staffing must determine the appropriate permanency plan for the child and that all child safety and well-being issues have been addressed to solidify the placement prior to returning the child to the caregiver and reinstating the subsidy payment. Document the staffing in Georgia SHINES. If the staffing determines that continued subsidy would be appropriate, complete a new agreement to reinstate the subsidy payment. If the subsidy renewal is due or past due, immediately complete the renewal process.

Maintaining ERR/RCS/SG/NRSG Case Records

The case record/Georgia SHINES must contain the following:

  1. The signed application and agreement and all renewal forms.

  2. The non-reunification and permanent guardianship order.

  3. Notification to discontinue TANF and/or transfer the payee of the child’s income (SSI, RSDI or child support) to the caregiver.

  4. Documentation of six and 12-month subsidy reviews including required home visits with separate interviews with the caregiver and children.

  5. Copies of any subsidy termination notifications.

Forms and Tools

Authorization for Release of Information
Authorization for Release of Information (Spanish)
Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement
Enhanced Relative Rate Application and Agreement (Spanish)
Guide for Kinship Caregiver Supports
Subsidy Recoupment/Repayment Agreement
Subsidy Recoupment/Repayment Agreement (Spanish)
Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement
Subsidized Guardianship/Non-Relative Subsidized Guardianship Application and Agreement (Spanish)