California’s Fostering Connections to Success

Act Eligibility and Benefits for

Transition Aged Youth Los Angeles, CA

November 9, 2011

Basics of Eligibility for AFDC-FC (Foster Care

Benefits)

AFDC-FC: Basic Eligibility Categorical requirements of the child

Age, residency, immigration status, deprivation

Conditions of removal from the home and placement

Financial eligibility

Categorical Requirements: What does the child look like? Age:

Under 19 (beginning January 1, 2012) Under 20 (beginning January 1, 2013) Youth 18 – 20 must meet additional eligibility requirements (more

later) Resides in California or under jurisdiction of CA

dependency court Immigration status

US citizen, qualified immigrant, PRUCOL* Deprived of parental support by virtue of being in foster

care Federal: Death, incapacity, absence, unemployment of parent State: Deprived of parental support

Condition of Removal from Home Prior to Age 18

Court Order/Judicial Determination Continuing to live in the home would be contrary to welfare of

the child; and Reasonable efforts made to keep child in the home Placement and care vested with county agency

Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA) Limited to 180 days under federal and state law Return to home, file petition to maintain federal or state

eligibility, or refer to adoption agency Given up for adoption, or parental rights terminated Living with a non-related legal guardian (state-only)

PlacementChild (under 18) must be placed in an approved or licensed facility/home:

Approved home of a relative (federal foster care) Approved home of a non-relative extended family member Licensed family foster home Certified home of a licensed foster family agency (FFA)

(includes ITFC) Living with non-related legal guardian (state foster care) THPP Tribal home Licensed group home

Financial Eligibility: Federal AFDC-FC -- Linkage RuleMeet the 1996 AFDC criteria in the home of

removal

in the month the petition is filed

OR

in any of the 6 months prior to the month the petition is filed.

Federal AFDC-Linkage Test (cont.) Once linkage met, does not have to be

established again while child remains in foster care. If remaining in care – no new linkage required No new documentation required for youth

continuing in care

For non-minor dependents re-entering foster care New link is established based on youth’s income

and property only New documentation for youth reentering

AFDC-FC: What Do They Get? Monthly cash benefit paid on a per-child

basis Can be paid to NMD directly if the NMD is

living in a SILP (more later)

Full scope Medi-Cal, no share of cost

Other funded services/allowances as applicable County clothing allowance (if provided), infant

supplement

AFDC-FC: Monthly Cash Benefit Foster Family Homes/ relatives/NRLG NREFM:

Basic rate: $621 (for ages 0 – 3) up to $776 (15 and older) Specialized Care Increments: Range of rates varies by county

Foster Family Agencies: Non-Treatment: $373 (for ages 0 – 3) up to $522 (15 and

older) Treatment: $1430 (for ages 0 – 3) up to $1679 (15 and older)

Intensive Treatment Foster Care: $2687 - $ 4028 (based on level of need)

Undergoing a rate restructure process

Group Homes: $ 2,159 - $9,146 (based on level of need)

Rates are Per Child!

Specialized Care Increments County supplement to the basic rate for the caring for

children with medical or emotional/behavioral needs.

County creates its own policy on how child qualifies and the increment amounts. CDSS must approve the plan.

Most counties provide specialized care increment (except: Modoc, Plumas and Sierra)

Specialized Care Increments are only available to youth in a foster family homes, the approved home of a relative caregiver, NREFM and NRLG Group homes, FFAs, THPP, THP-Plus FC, and SILPs do

not qualify for specialized care increment

AFDC-FC: Regional Center Clients Youth who receive AFDC-FC benefits and who are also regional

center clients are eligible for a higher level of cash benefits called Dual Agency Rate.

Dual Agency Basic Rate: $2006 per month

Dual Agency Supplement to the Rate – Based on extraordinary care and supervision: increments of $250 up to $1000

Early Start Intervention (ages 0-3): $898

Regional Centers must purchase or secure services in the child’s IPP or IFSP

NMDs qualify for dual agency rate

Eligibility for Extended Foster Care Benefits

(Ages 18 – 20)

Eligibility Basics for Extended Foster Care Benefits Extended benefits available to youth (non-minor dependents or “NMDs”) who, at the time they turn 18:

Has an open juvenile court case at age 18 Satisfy at least 1 of 5 participation requirements, Meet with Social Worker and update TILCP/TILP Court or administrative review every 6 months Live in a licensed/approved supervised setting

Extended benefits also available to: Youth with a Non-Related Legal Guardian created in

juvenile court (regardless of age of youth when guardianship is created)

Youth who entered Kin-GAP or AAP at age 16 or older.

Phase-In: Who is eligible for extended foster care? Youth under age 19 as of January 1, 2012

who have an open case. This includes: All youth who turn 18 on or after January 1, 2012 Youth who turn 18 during 2011 AND meet the

current eligibility requirements (such as the high school completion rule)

Youth who turn 18 during 2011 who do not meet the high school completion rule provided the court retains jurisdiction

What Must a NMD Do to Receive Benefits – Participation Conditions Participation Conditions: Must satisfy 1 of 5 as

documented in the youth’s TILP Be enrolled in high school or equivalent program Be enrolled in college/vocational school Work at least 80 hours/month Participate in a program/activity that helps you find a job or

removes barriers to employment (like substance abuse treatment) Be unable to do one of the above because of a medical or mental

health condition Six-Month Certification of Participation completed by social

worker. (SOC 161 – available online)

Licensed/Approved Placement Traditional placement options still available

2 NEW Placement Options for NMDs:

THP-Plus Foster Care Supervised Independent Living (SILP)

What about youth who want to opt-out? Eligibility for assistance does not end until the youth turns 20 (or

21), but aid is suspended when the NMD no longer resides in an eligible facility or after the court terminates dependency jurisdiction – may be resumed at request of NMD

Hearing (WIC 391) must be held prior to terminating jurisdiction (and assistance) and court must inform youth of: Right to remain in care Benefits of remaining in care Right to reenter care if under the age limits

General jurisdiction for reentry taken if the court terminates dependency/delinquency jurisdiction

Extended Foster Care Benefits – What Do They Get? The same benefit rates apply - NMDs eligible

for the same rate they received in that setting as a minor

New statewide rates established for THP-Plus FC

SILP is limited to basic AFDC-FC rate

Wraparound services available for NMDs

High School Completion Rule and AB 12 As of January 1, 2012 – there is no more high school

completion rule for NMDs participating in extended foster care

No more high school completion rule for youth in group homes Remaining in group home after age 18 (up to age 19)

permitted to promote educational stability of the NMD

High school completion rule still exists for certain groups that do not have access to extended benefits KinGAP youth who entered KinGAP prior to age 16 Youth with non-related legal guardianships created in probate

court

Benefits for Pregnant & Parenting Youth Pregnant and parenting youth are eligible Benefit Payment

In a SILP, the parenting NMD can receive the foster care payment directly, which includes the Infant Supplement.

For parenting NMD’s in licensed/approved facilities, the Infant Supplement is paid to the provider.

Whole Family Foster Homes, as FFH’s, relatives. FFA’s or THP+FC host family homes, are also eligible for the $200 Shared Responsibility Plan payment.

Process to Establish and Maintain Eligibility for Extended Foster Care

Benefits

Role of Social Worker/Probation Officer Regarding Eligibility Affirmative obligation to ensure that NMDs who want

to participate maintain eligibility In order to terminate dependency, must establish in

juvenile court that the social worker/probation officer made reasonable efforts to ensure participation

Services in TILP to ensure meaningful participation in eligibility requirements, including a back-up plan

All case planning should be collaborative with young adult

Goals are increasing levels of responsibility

Mutual Agreement Not a condition of payment – but must be signed within 6 months of NMD

turning 18

Mutual Agreement documents youth’s willingness to: Remain in a “supervised placement,” Report changes relevant to eligibility and placement, and Work with the Agency on the implementation of the TILP participation

activities Participate in 6 month review hearings

Mutual Agreement documents agency’s responsibility to: Help NMD develop and achieve goals Review and update TILP every 6 months Help NMD remain eligible for extended foster care by responding to problems

the NMD has identified and connecting NMD to supports and services Help NMD and caregiver develop Shared Living Agreement Ensure NMD has Medi-Cal card or other health insurance Provide NMD with contact information for his/her attorney

Role of Eligibility Worker A copy of the Certification Form shall be filed

in the EW’s maintenance case

CDSS strongly recommends that a copy of the participation documentation be kept in the EW’s file for audit purposes

Perform normal duties for changes of placement calculate OP/UP’s, rate adjustments, annual redeterminations

6 Month Certification of

Extended Foster Care

Participation Form

Other Benefits for Transition Age Youth

CalWORKs: Basic Eligibility for Youth in Foster Care

Relatives caring for a youth who is in foster care that does not qualify for Title IV-E foster care benefits This includes relatives who have a non-minor

dependents placed in their home

NOTE: The non-minor dependent could live with the relative in a SILP and receive state-only AFDC-FC or if over 16 the relative can become the guardian and get the higher per child Kin GAP extended benefits.

CalWORKs: What Do they Get?REGION 1  

AU Size MAP Exempt MAP Non-Exempt

1 351 317

2 577 516

3 714 638

4 849 762

5 966 866

6 1086 972

7 1192 1069

8 1301 1164

9 1405 1258

10 1510 1351

10+ 1510 1351

REGION 2  

AU Size MAP Exempt MAP Non-Exempt

1 334 300

2 550 490

3 681 608

4 809 725

5 923 825

6 1035 926

7 1137 1016

8 1239 1109

9 1340 1198

10 1439 1286

10+ 1439 1286

Payment Decreases Per Child!

Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program (Kin-GAP) Kin-GAP is California’s Kinship Guardianship

Assistance Payment program – it has been available since January 1, 2000

Goal to enhance family preservation and stability to allow youth to exit foster care to guardianship with a relative caregiver without loss of funding

Program was expanded in 2006 to include: Probation youth Allow youth to receive Specialized Care Increment and

clothing allowance as part of Kin-GAP benefit Conversion of the old Kin-GAP program began

January 1, 2011 due to AB 12

Kin-GAP: Basic EligibilityChild:

Has been adjudged a dependent or ward pursuant to WIC § 300 or 602 or after 6 months of voluntary placement, court ordered guardianship per 360

Child must be citizen, legal permanent resident, or other qualified immigrant

Living with same approved relative at least 6 continuous months

Relative appointed as guardian by juvenile court

Relative guardian and child welfare agency (or probation or tribe) enter into a written, signed negotiated agreement setting forth the amount of the Kin-GAP payment and any other services

Dependency/delinquencycase dismissed by the court after January 1, 2000

AND Have dependency/delinquency case dismissed after (or at the same time

as) the court appoints the relative as guardian

What must the county do before the Kin-GAP guardianship is finalized? County Agency Must Document in Guardianship

Study Being returned home or placed for adoption are not

appropriate permanency options for the child (the court must make this finding)

The child demonstrates a strong attachment to the prospective relative guardian

The relative guardian has a strong commitment to caring permanently for the child

The child who has attained 12 years of age has been consulted regarding the kinship guardianship arrangement.

Kin-GAP – What do they get? Negotiation between the relative guardian and the county child

welfare agency, probation department or Indian tribe Cannot exceed what the child would have received in a foster

family home, including any applicable specialized care increment

The maximum Kin-GAP payment varies depending on the date the Kin-GAP guardianship was established

Set forth in an written agreement that can be adjusted periodically, as the needs of the child change

If the youth is a parent of a child placed in the same home, the infant supplement or “whole family foster home” rates apply

If the youth is a regional center consumer, the dual agency rates apply

Kin-GAP – When does it end? Age Limits

Age 18 if entered Kin-GAP prior to turning 16 and no physical mental disability or up to age 19 if completing high school

Age 21 – regardless of when the child entered Kin-GAP IF the child has mental or physical handicaps that warrant continuation

Age 19 (beginning Jan. 1 2012) or Age 20 (beginning Jan. 1 2013) – for ALL youth who entered Kin-GAP at age 16 or older and meets one of the five participation conditions

NOTE: Youth converted into the federal Kin-GAP program at age 16 or older qualify until age 20 (or 21) even if they initially entered Kin-GAP before age 16

Other factors Continues if the family moves to another state

Other Benefits for Relatives/Youth Participating in Kin-GAP County Clothing Allowance Medi-Cal

And Medicaid continues if the guardian/youth move out of state IF the youth is federally-eligible

ILP services (regardless of what age the youth was when he/she entered Kin-GAP)

Education and training vouchers (if the youth entered Kin-GAP after age 16)

Reimbursement of non-recurring costs associated with guardianship – up to $2,000

AAP: Basic Eligibility

“Special needs”

AND

Written and signed AAP agreement with state stipulating amount of AAP entered into before the adoption is finalized (no means test)

AAP: Basic Eligibility (con’t) AND one of the following:

Subject of an independent OR agency adoption and meets SSI requirements – OR -

Subject of an agency adoption and under supervision of county welfare department – OR -

Subject of an agency adoption and would have been at risk of dependency – OR -

Subject of an agency adoption and committed to care of dep’t pursuant to Family Code § 8805 or § 8918

AAP: What Do They Get? Medicaid

Monthly Benefit Amount of Adoption Assistance negotiated in a written

adoption assistance agreement (no means test)

Cannot exceed the amount that the child would have received if in a licensed or approved family home (includes specialized care rate, ARM rate, dual agency rate)

The maximum AAP payment varies depending on the date of the initial adoption assistance agreement.

Can include specialized care increment

Residential care or Wrap Around services

AAP: When Does it End? Eligibility by Age

Age 18 if entered AAP prior to turning 16 and no physical mental disability

Age 21 – regardless of when the child entered AAP IF the child has mental or physical handicaps that warrant continuation

Age 19 (beginning Jan. 1 2012) or Age 20 (beginning Jan. 1 2013) – if entered AAP at age 16 or older and meets one of the five participation conditions

Other Considerations Continues if the family moves to another state

Can continue if child is adopted after death of adoptive parents

SSI/SSP: Basic Eligibility

Little or no income (no deeming for children that do not live in the household of a parent)

Few or no resources

Citizen or qualified non-citizen

Disabled

SSI/SSP: Basic Eligibility

Disability – child standard: Marked or severe functional limitation expected to

result in death or last for at least 12 continuous months

Disability – adult standard: Inability to engage in substantial gainful

employment and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

SSI/SSP: What Do They Get? Disabled child - $750

Disabled adult (residing in own household) – $858

If in foster care OR residing with a non-parent relative caregiver (even if not in foster care) OR residing with a guardian (relative or nonrelative) Non-medical out-of-home care facility: $1086 Must complete the SSP 22 to get the full benefit!

There are offset rules for concurrent receipt of SSI and other assistance (AFDC-FC, AAP, Kin-GAP)

SSI/SSP: When Does it End? No definite end date – depends on the

disability, income and resources

Different disability standard for adult SSA conducts a Continuing Disability Review

(“CDR”) in the month before the month the youth turns 18 to determine if the youth will remain eligible for SSI benefits under the adult rules

Continue to receive SSI until CDR is complete

SSI/SSP: County Mandate to Screen/Apply for SSI for Youth in CareCounties must: Screen every youth in foster care for SSI

eligibility between ages 16.5 and 17. Assist youth determined likely eligible with

SSI application. When necessary, use workaround to

forego federal foster care benefits for one month out of every 12 months

SSI: New Requirements for Non-Minor Dependents Timeline for application remains the same – goal

remains having SSI eligibility established at around the time the youth turns 18

Ensuring SSI is in place provides youth maximum flexibility and choice among benefits, services and supports

If youth is approved for SSI but receives federal foster care in excess of SSI – same workaround that is used to allow youth to apply for SSI will be used to maintain eligibility

How can SSI help a youth transitioning out of foster care? Monthly cash assistance often more than other

available cash assistance programs (ie CalWORKs, General Assistance) – can help avoid homelessness

SSI eligibility may qualify youth for permanent affordable housing

Youth can work part-time and still receive SSI Social Security has programs to help recipients

pursue education or attempt work without losing eligibility

Youth can receive school scholarships and receive SSI simultaneously

Foster Care Independence Act – additional benefits for youth in transition Independent Living Plans and Services

Resource limit: $10,000

Transitional Medi-Cal

Transitional Housing: THP-Plus

Education and Training Vouchers

Earned Income Disregards

HYPOTHETICALS

Is Sam Eligible for Extended Foster Care? Sam turned 18 on October 30, 2011. Is he eligible for

Extended Foster Care beginning January 1, 2012 if:

1. He is expected to graduate from high school in May 2012, before he turns 19?• YES – he is eligible on January 1, 2012

2. He is not expected to graduate from high school before October 30, 2012 BUT the dependency court keeps his foster care case open and he has an open dependency case on January 1, 2012?• YES – he is eligible on January 1, 2012

3. He is not expected to graduate from high school before October 30, 2012 AND the dependency court terminates jurisdiction when Sam turns 18 in October 2011?• NO – he is NOT eligible on January 1, 2012

Is Samuel Eligible for Extended Foster Care? Samuel is under an order for foster care

placement when he turns 18 on June 1, 2012. However, Samuel is on runaway status on that date.

Is Samuel eligible to participate in extended foster care? YES – as long as he is under order for foster care

placement on his 18th birthday

Is Ashley Eligible for Kin-GAP After Age 18? Facts:

Ashley turned 15 on May 1, 2009.

On July 1, 2009, Ashley exited foster care and entered the Kin-GAP program when her grandmother took guardianship of her.

It is now July 1, 2011 and it is Ashley’s annual redetermination. Because of the passage of AB 12, Ashley is being converted into the new Kin-GAP program.

Is Ashley Eligible for Kin-GAP After Age 18 (continued)? Does Ashley have a mental or physical disability?

If YES – she can receive Kin-GAP up until age 21

Is Ashley expected to complete her high school diploma or GED by age 19? If YES – she can get Kin-GAP benefits until she finishes her diploma or GED

or until she turns 19, whichever is first

Is Ashley being converted into the federal Kin-GAP program? If YES - she can get Kin-GAP up until 20 (or 21) as long as she meets the

participation requirements and the timeline for extension.  If NO - she CANNOT get benefits after 18 (unless he has a physical of

mental disability OR he meets the completion rule). 

Is Lisa Eligible for Kin-GAP? Facts

Lisa turned 15 in December 2011, and during that same month, she was placed in foster care in the approved home of her Aunt Sally.

In July 2012, Aunt Sally decides to take legal guardianship of Lisa so that they can close her dependency case.

Questions What does Aunt Sally have to do to ensure eligibility for

Kin-GAP benefits? If guardianship is finalized in August 2012 and dependency

terminated, will Lisa be eligible for Kin-GAP after age 18?

QUESTIONS?