An overview of the Foster Care Emergency Assistance (EA) Program, complete with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Ready for the acronyms? EA is funded by TANF, and provides FFP (federal financial participation) for short term aid to children/families in emergency situations. It no longer includes services for probation, but does cover Emergency Shelter Care (ESC).
So, what are some of the FAQ’s? Relatives can qualify for Shelter Care for up to 30 days; it’s limited to once in 12 months/single episode, for up to 12 months (except not the emergency shelter care) to resolved the emergency. An EA application must be taken immediately or no later than 30 calendar days from the date the child is removed from the home or the date the child is determined to be at risk. (Refer to ACL No. 93-64 and ACL No. 94-90), but the beginning date of aid begins on the date the application is signed. A county can place the child in a relative’s home on an emergency basis prior to relative approval of that home and claim emergency shelter care, if the worker has completed an assessment on the home. The age requirements go up to the age of 21, with no requirement of school attendance. [Download]