DCFS will pay for child care for two-parent foster homes where both parents work, or single parent foster homes where the single caregiver works or is in job training or educational programs which will lead to employment. DCFS may also pay for child care for other documented reasons, such as disability of a caregiver, a disabling condition of a child or when day care is court-ordered. 

In homes where there are two foster caregivers, both must be working, or at least one has to be working if the other is disabled. If a caregiver is disabled, a doctor’s statement will be required. The statement must explain the extent of the disabling condition(s), including the duration, prognosis and how the disability impairs the person’s ability to care for the child/ren in that home.

You are not eligible if, for any reason, you are not actually reporting to work, such as in the cases of seasonal/temporary employment, leave of absence, lay-off, etc. For example, a teacher would not be eligible for day care payment during the summer if he or she were employed for nine months but did not actually go to work during the summer. You also are not eligible if you are looking for work or to attend foster parent training. Caregivers who enroll a child in day care and are not eligible are subject to paying for the day care. If you are in doubt about your eligibility prior to enrolling a child, contact the regional DCFS Office Day Care Service Unit or the Office of Child Development (for Cook County) at 312-808-5060.