CDSS has issued instructions implementing interim funding for caregivers who have taken placement of children or non-minor dependants on an emergency basis. This funding is to provide benefits while a Resource Family Approval (RFA) application is pending. The funding is needed because of a backlog in processing RFA applications.
Counties must provide payments the emergency caregiver equal to the basic level rate paid to resource families. This funding will remain in effect until June 30, 2018. Payments are effective the date the emergency caregiver signs the RFA application form. There will not be payments prior to the date of application.
In the first month the child is eligible for interim funding, CalWORKs payments on behalf of the child do not count as income. This means that receipt of CalWORKs does not impact the calculation of interim caregiver funding.
If emergency placement funding is required for a family for longer than 60 days, the county must document good cause for the RFA application not being processed , identify a prior backlog of RFA applications and submit a backlog plan. (ACL 18-33, March 30, 2018.)