Alabama Administrative Code
Title 660 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Chapter 660-5-24 - MULTIPLE NEEDS CHILD POLICY
Section 660-5-24-.11 - DHR Procedures

(a) As mentioned above, it is not necessary for DHR to hold custody of a child in order to share in funding for placement. The child may be in the custody of any of the mandated agencies or remain in the parents' custody, if they are in agreement with the placement. If a child is not in DHR custody but requires the services of this department, the case must be opened for on going child welfare services and an ISP developed pursuant to ISP policy.

(b) If no agency holds custody of the child, it is necessary that one of the agencies be identified as the lead agency to serve as the contact point for the provider for case management purposes and to maintain contact with the child. It is important that the child's progress be monitored regularly and that plans be made to step him down to a less restrictive setting as soon as appropriate. The local team will need to meet periodically for updates on the child's progress and to determine if the placement should continue.

(a) DHR is to follow existing policies for ISP's and flex funds to authorize payment for services. DHR's portion of all shared funding services will be paid through flex funds. Bills for approved services should be sent by the provider directly to the Coordinator of the Office of the Multi-Needs Child for processing.

(a) All children for whom DHR is sharing in funding for placement should be registered on the ACWIS system. If the child is not in DHR custody, the child should be registered on ACWIS with the custody status of "Custody of Another Agency". It is important that we track these children and that we are aware of how many children are in any given facility.

Author: Jerome Webb