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March 2006
This Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Review Guide (Guide) provides a consistent and uniform approach for Federal and State staff to use in complying with requirements set forth in 42 U.S.C. §672 and 45 CFR §1356.71. The Guide contains policy and procedural guidance on planning, conducting, and completing a foster care eligibility review. It is intended to complement, not supplant, applicable statutory and regulatory provisions. In the event of conflict or inconsistency between this Guide and the statute or regulations, the latter govern.
This Guide applies solely to the periodic title IV-E foster care eligibility reviews. It does not apply to other types of reviews or checks on eligibility, such as those that may be conducted by the Office of the Inspector General or that arise out of the Administration for Children and Families Regional Office reviews of title IV-E claims filed by States.
Chapter 1. Framework for the Title
IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews
Purpose of the
Reviews
Review Process
Requirements Subject to
Review
Sampling
Guidance
Payment History
Compliance Standards
Improper Payments
Steps in the Review Process
Chapter 2. The Review Team
Composition of the Review Team
Functions of the Review Team
Leadership of the Review Team
Chapter 3. On-Site Reviews
Advance Preparation for
the On-Site Review
ACF Central Office
Responsibilities
ACF Regional Office
Responsibilities
State
Agency Responsibilities
Case Selection and Review
Sample of
Cases Reviewed
Preparation of Case Records for
Review
Use of Electronic
Files for Review
On-Site Review Instruments and Instructions
On-Site Review Activities
Chapter 4. Eligibility Requirements
Judicial Removals
Contrary to the Welfare
Reasonable Efforts
Voluntary Placements
Responsibility for Placement and Care
Vested with the State Agency
AFDC Eligibility
Determination of Dependency
Documentation for Initial Eligibility Determination
Documentation for Ongoing AFDC Eligibility (Re-determination)
Reconstruction fo AFDC Eligibility
Placement in a Licensed Foster Family Home of Childcare Institution
Safety Requirements for Children Placed in Foster Care
Chapter 5. Final Report
Purpose of the Final
Report
Preparation of the Final
Report
Dissemination of the Final
Report
Chapter 6. Program Improvement Plans
Criteria for Developing
a PIP
Content of the PIP
Preparation and Approval of the PIP
Timeframes for Implementing the PIP
Quarterly Progress Report
Technical Assistance
I: On-Site Review Instrument and Instructions
II: Sample State Notification Letter
III: Materials to Read in Preparation for a Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Review
VII: Title IV-E Eligibility Criteria for the Foster Care Maintenance Payments Program
VIII: Sample Transmittal Letter Including Notice of Disallowance
IX: Model Report Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Review
X: Timeframes for Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Review Activities
XI: Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Chart
XII: Matrix of AFDC Factors Related to Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility
XIII: Provider Requirements, Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility