Program Authorization: R.S. 36:477 (C)
This category includes all expenditures for child welfare services. Included in the protective service category are investigations of abuse, neglect, exploitation of children without proper custody or guardianship. Related purchased services, including evaluations, consultations, or counseling services, may be offered to the family. If the investigator determines that the allegation is valid, then he must determine risk to the child of remaining in the home. If the child is to remain in the home, the case is transferred to Family Services. If the child is to be removed from the home, the case is transferred to Foster Care Services.
Family Services workers provide case management to the family, and may arrange for services to help support the family and prevent the need for removal of the child. The family may receive child care services, or short-term, intensive home-based services.
If the child is removed from the home and placed in foster care, the worker provides case management services while the child is in care. The child may be placed in regular foster care or in some type of specialized care, which includes emergency shelter, specialized foster care, or group care, which is used generally for adolescents or children with special needs. All children are provided with health care. (While most children in foster care are eligible for Medicaid, included within the DHH budget, some are not.) Older adolescents may receive independent living services or other services to help them move from foster care to independence. Foster children are provided with other services as necessary, such as clothing, school fees, transportation services, etc. Additional costs includes costs of recruiting, training, and supporting foster families. Adoption services include case management services for the child, recruitment of adoptive families, and the matching of children with families. Adoption subsidies are paid to families who adopt special needs children. Limited post-adoption services are available as well for families in need.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR CHILDREN
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Statutory Dedications |
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.8 |
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