DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Division of Social Services
PROPOSED
PUBLIC NOTICE
DSSM: 11003.7.8, Special Needs
In compliance with the State's Administrative Procedures Act (APA - Title 29, Chapter 101 of the Delaware Code) and under the authority of Title 31 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 5, Section 512, Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) / Division of Social Services is proposing to amend Child Care Subsidy Program policies in the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) regarding Families with Transitional Work Program Needs.
Any person who wishes to make written suggestions, compilations of data, testimony, briefs or other written materials concerning the proposed new regulations must submit same to Sharon L. Summers, Policy, Program & Development Unit, Division of Social Services, 1901 North DuPont Highway, P.O. Box 906, New Castle, Delaware 19720-0906 or by fax to (302) 255-4425 by March 2, 2010.
The action concerning the determination of whether to adopt the proposed regulation will be based upon the results of Department and Division staff analysis and the consideration of the comments and written materials filed by other interested persons.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGE
The proposed change described below amends Child Care Subsidy Program policies in the Division of Social Services Manual (DSSM) regarding Families with Transitional Work Program Needs.
Statutory Authority
45 CFR §98.20, A child’s eligibility for child care services
Summary of Proposed Change
DSSM 11003.7.8, Special Needs: This policy is revised to add Transitional Work Program Childcare guidelines.
DSS PROPOSED REGULATION #10-03
REVISION:
11003.7.8 Special Needs
45 CFR 98.20
Eligibility
Families requesting Special Needs Child Care must be technically and financially eligible.
EXCEPTION: DFS referrals do not have to meet financial criteria.
If the parent/caretaker meets the need criteria as listed in 11003.8, the family will not be eligible for Special Needs Child Care unless the child under age 13 requires care that cannot be provided in a regular day care.
To be eligible for Special Needs care the parent/caretaker or child must meet the definition of need as explained below.
Children with Special Needs:
A child that is 13 through 18 years of age may be eligible for Special Needs Child Care if the child’s physical, medical or emotional condition is such that he is unable to care for himself. Children under age 13 may qualify for Special Needs Child Care if they have a need that cannot be met in a regular daycare setting. Children 13 years of age and older are only eligible for Special Needs Childcare.
Documentation of the condition may be provided on the Special Needs Form or any other written correspondence submitted by a physician or medical professional with the authority to do so.
Adults with Special Needs:
A parent/caretaker may be eligible for Special Needs Child Care services if the parent has a condition which makes the parent/caretaker unable to care for his/her child.
Documentation of the condition may be provided on the Special Needs Form or any other written correspondence submitted by a physician or medical professional with the authority to do so.
Families with Protective Child Care Needs
Children referred by the Division of Family Services (DFS) may be eligible for Special Needs Child Care.
A child that is active with and referred by DFS for child care:
1. is considered to have met the need criteria;
2. does not have to meet the financial criteria;
3. may receive child care regardless of citizenship status.
Families with Transitional Work Program Needs:
Children referred by the Transitional Work Program (TWP) may be eligible for Special Needs Child Care.
A parent/caretaker that is active with and referred by TWP for child care:
1. is considered to have met the need criteria;
2. must have household income at or below 200% FPL;
3. is not required to provide a Medical Certification Form or a Special Needs Form.
DSS staff will authorize childcare for 5 days part time with extended care. Please refer to policy section 11004.9 Authorizing Service. Authorize care for additional time if the parent’s/caretaker’s activities with TWP require more than part time care.
