Is there a need to revise eligibility procedures and/or priorities for authorizing child welfare funding? Will OCFS revise its instructions for child welfare eligibility determinations?
Eligibility for the child welfare funding sources (Title IV-E, TANF-EAF foster care and Title XX Below 200%) are unaffected. Title IV-E remains the program of choice for foster care. Districts should restrict the authorization of TANF-EAF only to foster care placements consistent with Federal requirements. OCFS recommends that districts no longer be required to do a TANF-EAF authorization for in-home child welfare services. The Federal eligibility criteria for those services have changed for eligible families and individuals in receipt of Family Assistance or with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level. For those FFFS funds that districts choose to transfer to Title XX, an eligibility determination for Title XX Below 200% must still be completed.
