When a child first comes into foster care, the child must be under the age of 18 and the eligibility specialist must verify the child’s age by reviewing the child’s birth certificate, hospital certificate, or one of the other items in subsection B of Appendix 1530-F: Categorical Requirements for AFDC. If none of these is available at the time application is made, the caseworker may chose the Evaluative Conclusion option on the Foster Care Assistance Application in IMPACT and document on the application why he or she chose the option. The Evaluative Conclusion must be based on one of the following sources:

• A document containing the child’s date of birth (medical, insurance, or school record) that was created before the date of removal.
• A credible person with knowledge of the family’s history who can provide either the child’s date of birth or current age.
• Any other reasonable basis to indicate that the child meets applicable age requirements.

See the Evaluative Conclusion section 1532.2 Citizenship or Immigration Status for further instruction.