- The subsidy amount shall not exceed the amount paid for foster care maintenance for the same child or exceed the foster care per diem reimbursement established by the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) (including medically complex rates and care plus rates). Children who achieve SPC with a level of care (LOC) one (1) shall qualify for up to the advanced rate. Children who achieve SPC with a LOC two (2) or three (3) shall be eligible for up to the care plus or medically complex rate. A private child placing (PCP) caregiver meets the care plus standard for children with a LOC two (2) or three (3).
- For a PCP family to receive an advanced rate, they shall be approved for at least one (1) year.
- A child is eligible for the care plus rate if they have a LOC of two (2) or three (3) and meet at least one of the following criteria (also outlined in SOP 4.10.1 DCBS Care Plus ):
- Displays aggressive, destructive, or disruptive behavior;
- Has a diagnosed emotional or behavioral problem;
- Is scheduled to be released from a treatment facility;
- Is at risk of being placed in a more restrictive setting;
- Is at risk of institutionalization; or
- Has experienced numerous placement disruptions.
- Child care services are paid by the caregiver(s) and reimbursed monthly only with a paid receipt as verified by the child care provider.
- Child care reimbursements are only available for children under the age of thirteen (13); or thirteen (13) years of age and older if there is an established need due to a physical, emotional, or developmental need of the child, and with documentation provided from a physician or qualified mental health professional (QMHP) as defined in KRS 202A.011 stating the child is physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves. 1
- SPC assistance may be requested for the following:
- Reimbursement of child care services for full-time or part-time working permanent caregiver(s) who work a minimum of twenty (20) hours per week and with annual employment verification, or permanent caregiver(s) pursuing higher education. 2
- A Kentucky medical assistance card is available to all children who have a DPP-1257 Subsidized Permanent Custody Agreement. The Kentucky medical assistance card is approved through the children's benefits worker (CBW) when the SPC order has been signed. 3
- Respite care is not cumulative; this should be submitted monthly for reimbursement. Respite care is offered to a child approved for:
- Medically complex or care plus rates prior to SPC finalization, at two (2) respite dates per child, per month; or
- Specialized medically complex rate prior to SPC finalization, at three (3) respite days per child, per month.
Families cannot receive the supplemental services rate, or an enhanced rate for SPC subsidy. These rates should be used temporarily during a period of crisis.