Title 7 . Health and Social Services

Chapter 53 . (Reserved)

Section 50. Ongoing direct costs

7 AAC 53.050. Ongoing direct costs

(a) The department may pay ongoing direct costs for foster care for a child placed by the department if those costs are in addition to standard rate costs incurred in caring for the foster child.

(b) Ongoing direct costs will be determined on a case-by-case basis and will be limited to reasonable payment for

(1) costs of transportation that exceed 50 miles a week to frequent, scheduled home visits, or medical or therapeutic appointments such as physical therapy or psychiatric counseling;

(2) costs of the purchase of special foods for a child who cannot eat a regular diet;

(3) extraordinary clothing or laundry needs;

(4) in-home assistance for specialized foster care, such as paid staff or consultant;

(5) child care if

(A) the care is required to ensure continuity of care for the child;

(B) the care is required to meet the child's special developmental needs;

(C) respite care is required under 7 AAC 53.070;

(D) special circumstances or a serious shortage of foster parent resources require payment to gain or keep a foster care placement when the foster parent is working or actively seeking work; or

(E) the care is required for foster children remaining at home while the foster parent regularly escorts a child in the home to frequent medical or therapeutic appointments; and

(6) other services essential to success of the foster care placement or success in school, including vocational training, tutoring, summer camp experience, or after-school experience, but not private school tuition.

(c) The department will reimburse the costs of transportation authorized under (b)(1) of this section at the same rate as state employee reimbursement for transportation.

(d) The department will authorize payment of ongoing direct costs under this section based upon documented need and the availability of appropriations from the legislature.

History: Eff. 7/1/90, Register 114; am 11/16/94, Register 132; am 3/31/2005, Register 173

Authority: AS 47.05.010

AS 47.14.010

Editor's note: The substance of 7 AAC 53.050 was formerly contained in 7 AAC 50.730.