Although Level B payments cannot be approved to be paid to the adoptive parent(s)/guardian(s), a child may be placed in a Level B Foster Home if this treatment is determined necessary for the child. The Level B foster care program is for the purpose of treating a child’s behavioral issues so they can be successful in their place permanent home. If a child enters a Level B Foster Home, the worker should manage the case the same as if the child were in residential treatment.
The CD-137 is to serve as the referral form for placement in Level B Foster Care. Supporting documentation from appropriate professionals is also required. The parent(s)/guardian(s) are to complete the CD-137 and provide documentation, obtaining assistance from the worker as needed.
Level B Foster Care placements may be authorized for six months at a time. Upon the sixth month, the need for placement and level of care must be reviewed in a family meeting. The review team should consist of the family, child, worker, supervisor, Level B resource providers and any other persons involved in the treatment of the child. These reviews are to be submitted to Central Office with an amendment requesting funding for Level B Foster Care. This funding will be approved by signature of the Division Director. No payments should be made until approval is given.
Update the Alternative Care Client Information screen in FACES for the new placement leaving the adoptive parent(s)/guardian(s) DVN and placement type, but entering the sub-placement code of “S” and entering the Level B placement as the sub placement, as well as changing the maintenance code to no maintenance, if the parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to suspend their maintenance payments.
With regard to agency liability of an adopted/guardianship child voluntarily placed in a Level B foster home, any legally recognized parent (biological or adopted/guardianship) is liable for the actions of his/her child as long as that parent/guardian has not been relieved of legal custody. If the Division does not have legal custody of a child, we are not liable for the child. The Level B home may be liable for the actions of the child, at least in the negligent supervision area.
Payment must be made to the Level B foster home via a payment request each month. When changing the amendment to Level B Foster Care, use the opposite service code from what the placement home will be coded. The adoptive/guardianship family’s maintenance code will remain on the amendment. The subsidy worker shall meet with the adoptive/guardianship family to discuss the child’s needs while in Level B Foster Care and explore the possibility of reducing the maintenance payment while the child is in treatment (i.e. toiletries, clothing, and travel for visitation and therapy.) If the adoptive/guardianship family refuses to suspend their payment, the maintenance code will remain the same, however, if they agree to suspend their payment, the maintenance code will be ‘3’ indicating no maintenance. All of these actions should be documented in the Case Member screen of the subsidy record.
Related Practice Alerts and Memos:
7-1-19 – CD19-52 – FY20 Rate Increases
12-4-19 – PA19-AD-06 – Transitional Living Placements and Subsidy Agreements
1-10-20 – PA20-AD-01 – Legal Fees for AD and LG Subsidies
10-29-2020 – PA20-AD-06 – Child Summary
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