Attachment B: Emergency Placement Payment
Emergency Placement Payment
Frequently, children entering alternative care require placement on an emergency basis. The Division operates two primary programs as emergency placement services.
One type of emergency placement is provided by foster families who have elected to make slots available from their licensed capacity, to children who require placement at any time during a twenty-four (24) hour period. Due to its immediacy, this type of placement is paid at a much higher rate than traditional care. The placement shall be no longer than 60 days. Once a child has spent 60 days in an emergency foster placement, the system will automatically change the code on the SS-61 to reflect a standard level of maintenance payment. (Area Office approval is not required for emergency foster placement.)
The second type of program is provided by licensed child-caring facilities who have contracted to provide "emergency residential care". (Area Office approval is required for emergency residential care.)
Instructions for Payment
While the two services are similar in many respects, the payment is different because of the type of contract with the Division. The following information and procedures are used to authorize payment for the two types of programs:
- Complete the SS-61.
- (This step is only required for Emergency Residential Care.) After receiving Area Office approval, the RCST will complete the CS-67 and CS-67A, and enter the information immediately. The service code is EMER) Appropriate notification will be sent to the provider from the SEAS system.
- Update the SS-61 as necessary to reflect the child's movement into other types of alternative care or the child's return to his own family.
- Close CS-67A, as necessary, when child moves to another provider or returns home.
- Invoices for the payment of emergency residential shelter costs will be submitted by provider directly to the RCST. If there is a question regarding the invoice, the RCST will contact the provider.
NOTE: An Immediate/Emergency Authorization Notice should be generated and printed locally to deliver in person, to the provider. If the placement occurs after hours, or weekends, or if the placement is made by law enforcement or juvenile office personnel, an authorization letter shall be delivered on the next working day.