INCREASE IN FOSTER CARE MAINTENANCE RATES

To: REGIONAL EXECUTIVE STAFF, CIRCUIT MANAGERS, AND CHILDREN’S DIVISION STAFF
From: PAULA NEESE, DIRECTOR

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to inform staff of the increase to the foster care maintenance rates that went into effect on July 1, 2008. Maintenance rates were increased for all traditional, medical, behavioral, and career placements. The increased amounts will be seen by all foster, relative and kinship care providers on the reimbursement checks they will receive in August, 2008. There is no change in the professional parenting, incentive, diaper allowance or clothing allowance amounts. The new rates are:

Age birth to 5 $282

Age 6 – 12 $335

Age 13+ $372

Behavioral/Medical $732

Career $48 a day

Changes have been made to the Child Welfare Manual Section 4 Chapter 11 Attachment A: Standard Payment Rate for Foster Family Alternative Care to show the new maintenance reimbursement rates.

NECESSARY ACTION:

Review this memorandum with all Children’s Division staff.
Review revised Child Welfare Manual chapters as indicated below.
All questions should be cleared through normal supervisory channels and directed to:

PDS CONTACT:

Elizabeth Tattershall

573-522-1191

Elizabeth.Tattershall@dss.mo.gov

PROGRAM MANAGER:

Melody Yancey

573-751-3171

Melody.Yancey@dss.mo.gov

CHILD WELFARE MANUAL REVISIONS:

Section 4, Chapter 11, Attachment A: Standard Payment Rate for Foster Family Alternative Care