For the purposes of this policy, an unapproved facility is a provider that:

  •   is not equipped to meet the child’s special needs;

  •   is not licensed by DFPS, but is subject to DFPS licensure requirements (placements that otherwise meet the child’s needs and are not required to be licensed by DFPS are not considered unapproved for the purposes of this policy. Examples of placements that are not required to be licensed by DFPS, and therefore are not considered an unapproved facility include: placement with relatives or with fictive kin, such as persons who are close family friends, or placement in a facility that is licensed or approved by other state agencies);

  •   does not contract with DFPS;

  •   is requesting payment outside the child’s applicable foster care rate as set by HHSC; or

  •   is requesting or otherwise necessitating a child-specific contract.