If the relative or legal guardian of a child is temporarily absent from the home, get the following information:
- the reason for the absence,
- where the adult is living during the absence,
- where the child is living during the absence, and
- the expected date of return.
When the adult's absence does not meet the requirements of temporary absence, attempt to locate a close relative who is able and willing to assume responsibility for the child.
For TANF, if a close relative cannot be found, consider assigning a Temporary Caretaker to the case (see PM 16-02-00). If a Temporary Caretaker is not available,
refer the child to DCFS.
NOTE: Assignment of a Temporary Caretaker is only allowed for active cases and not for pending applications.