The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has provided guidance regarding new placement and funding flexibility to support emergency care and placement of children and nonminor dependents because of COVID-19. If there is no other placement available, counties may use the emergency placement process to allow placement with an unapproved family. These placements must include in-home inspection of the potential home, and California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) and child abuse checks. The in-home inspection must be done in person. The caregiver must complete and sign the criminal history disclosure form.
If local live scan services are not reasonably available, the time for the caregiver to submit fingerprints can be extended up to 90 days after the end of the shelter in place order.
Emergency caregivers are eligible for emergency caregiver funding. This funding shall continue if approval exceeds 365 days because of delay in the Resource Family Approval process because of COVID-19.
Children who are exposed to, test positive for or present symptoms of COVID-19 may temporarily need a higher level of medical care and supervision. CDSS authorizes paying a higher rate when the child requires isolation or quarantine because of COVID-19 and as a result there are increase care and supervision needs, or the child requires a new placement because of COVID-19.
Children in a Short-Term Residental Therapeutic Program may need to be moved. If the higher rate is insufficient to find a placement for these children, the county is authorized to negotiate a rate for a family willing to accept the child. (ACL 20-44, April 17, 2020.)