North Dakota Department of Human Services
State Capitol
Bismarck, ND 58505
February 15, 2007

									PI 07-03

TO:		Directors, County Social Service Boards
		Foster Care Eligibility Staff
		Regional Supervisors

FROM:	Don Snyder, Administrator, Foster Care Program

SUBJECT:	Absences from Home/Facility
		Service Chapter 623-05-20-30

On January 27, 2007, the following question and answer appeared on the Children’s Bureau website:

	Question:  May the State claim a title IV-E foster care maintenance payment for an allowable provider that covers the entire month if a child is temporarily absent for a portion of the month?  For example, the child has run away, goes on a weekend home visit, or is hospitalized for medical treatment during some part of the month.

	Answer:  Yes.  The State may provide a full month’s title IV-E foster care maintenance payment to the licensed provider if the brief absence does not exceed 14 days and the child’s placement continues with the same provider.  Otherwise, the State must prorate its claims if the child is absent from the placement for more than a reasonable brief period.

Effective immediately, when a child is temporarily absent, payment may continue to a licensed provider for a maximum of up to 14 days if the child’s placement continues with the same provider.  The plan must meet the approval of the county social service board.

This is a change from the current foster care policy, which allows for continued payment to a facility or family foster home under a plan, which meets the approval of the county social services board for up to two weeks.  If the absence is for more than two weeks but not over a month, the plan must be approved by the county social service board and the regional supervisor.  In essence, it has been possible for payment to continue to a licensed provider for up to one month when a child is absent.

If you have questions, please feel free to call.  Thanks.