01.03.10.e – IDCFS Extended Family Support Program Services

Effective Date: 09/30/2016

Revisions: 11/01/18, 12/1/18, 06/18/2019, 7/11/2022

Reference: CCAP Protective Services Child Care (CCAP-PSCC) 45 CFR § 98.2 Definitions; 45 CFR § 98.46 Priority for Child Care Services; 45 CFR § 98.51 Subpart F, Services for Children Experiencing Homelessness.

Cross Reference: 01.03.01 - Two-Parent Household; 02.02.03 - Notification Eligibility Determination; and 01.01.01 - Residence

1. Policy Statement

Families receiving IDCFS Extended Family Support Program (EFSP) services applying for the Child Care Assistance Program will be approved for a 12-month eligibility period.

1. Eligibility Criteria

   1. There are no employment or education/training requirements for families receiving EFSP services.
   2. There is no income or assets limit for families receiving EFSP services.
   3. Providers must meet all CCAP eligibility criteria (background checks, health and safety training, provider registrations documentation…) as described in CCAP Policy Manual Sections 05.01.01 through 05.05.0
   4. If a provider listed on the CCAP application does not meet CCAP qualification, the case should be approved using the "No Qualified Provider" CCMS ID (460328258720008).
      1. The CCR&R must issue a Request for Additional Information to inform the provider what is needed to become qualified
      2. A Change of Provider packet should also be issued to the family.
      3. If the family needs a new provider, the family must be referred to the CCR&R parent services for a provider search. The CCR&R parent services should provide a list of highly qualified providers, including a Head Start Program, within five business days of receipt.

2. Documentation Requirements

   1. IDHS Child Care CCAP Application (IL444-3455) with "Extended Family Support Program" indicated as Reason for Care. Reason for Care can be obtained verbally from the client and case noted in CCMS.
   2. IDCFS EFSP verification letter
   3. Requests for Additional Information (RAI) should only be sent to families transitioning form IFS for the following:
      1. Contact information (3455 Section 1);
      2. Child Care Provider Information and Legal Care Arrangement (3455 Section 6);
      3. Child Care Provider's Signature (3455 Section 7);
      4. Parent/Guardian's Signature (3455 Section 8);
      5. A completed EFSP verification letter.

3. Eligibility Periods and Copayments

   1. EFSP cases will be approved for a 12-month eligibility period that: 1.Begins as early as the date the EFSP services start date, or the date care is being requested on the IL444-3455.
      1. To ensure at least 12 months of eligibility are approved:
         1. Cases that are approved starting on the first day of a month will be approved through the last day of the 12th month.
         2. Cases that are approved any day other than the first must be approved until the last day of the 13th month.
   2. Copayments for EFSP cases will be waived for the entire eligibility period.

4. Redeterminations

   1. CCMS will generate a Redetermination Form approaching the end of the 12-month eligibility period.
   2. If a Redetermination is not entered into the CCMS by the beginning of the 12th month of eligibility, a cancellation notice will be automatically generated with an effective date of the end of the eligibility period.
   3. If the Redetermination is returned with "Extended Family Program" marked for the reason for care a new DCFS verification letter must be submitte
   4. If either verification form is submitted:
      1. There are no employment or education/training requirements;
      2. There is no income or assets limit;
      3. Copayments will be waived for the entire 12-month eligibility period.
   5. If either verification form is not submitted within 30 days of the last date of eligibility, the case should remain canceled at the end of the eligibility period unless the family is eligible based on other CCAP policies.