Navigating Child Care Assistance for Adolescent Foster Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Child Care Payment Assistance, often referred to as the subsidized child care program, offers crucial support to various families, including those involved in adolescent foster care programs. Administered through the Child Care Certificate Program, this state initiative is designed to aid Families First participants, parents transitioning from these programs, working parents, parents pursuing post-secondary education, teen parents, and importantly, children in foster care. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Department of Human Services (TDHS) or, specifically for children in foster care, by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). TDHS provides financial relief for child care expenses to families who meet specific income criteria, facilitated through multiple child care assistance programs.

Who Qualifies for Adolescent Foster Care Child Care Assistance?

Understanding eligibility is the first step in accessing child care assistance, particularly for adolescent foster care programs. Several categories of parents and guardians may qualify:

Parents in the Smart Steps Program: Those applying for the Smart Steps program with incomes below the 85th percentile of the State Median Income are eligible. This income threshold is detailed in the Income Eligibility and Parent Co-Pay Fee Table. Eligibility extends to parents with children from six weeks old until kindergarten entry, who are employed, enrolled in post-secondary education, or engaged in a combination of both for at least 30 hours weekly.
Teen Parents in Education: High school or middle school mothers who are actively enrolled in school and participate in the Teen Parent program are also eligible for child care assistance.
Families First Program Participants: Parents involved in the Families First program who require child care to fulfill work-related activities outlined in their personal responsibility plan can receive assistance.
Transitional Support Post-Families First: Families transitioning off the Families First program may receive child care assistance for up to 18 months after their case closure, provided each parent works an average of 30 hours or more per week. This transitional support is vital for maintaining stability as families become self-sufficient.
Non-Parental Guardians in Families First: Non-parental guardians within the Families First program who need child care for a related child are eligible if the guardian is engaged in an average of 30 or more hours of work, training, or education weekly.

Applying for Child Care Assistance: Step-by-Step

Applying for Child Care Payment Assistance is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can apply:

Online Application via One DHS Customer Portal: The most convenient method is through the One DHS Customer Portal. This online platform allows you to submit your application electronically.

Paper Application: Alternatively, you can download and submit a paper application. Applications are available in multiple languages:

Once completed, paper applications can be faxed, mailed, or delivered in person to your local TDHS office.

Crucial: Verification Documents: Ensure you submit all required verification documents with your application, whether online or paper. Incomplete applications due to missing verifications will not be processed.

Required Documents for Application

To complete your application and determine eligibility, you will need to provide several documents. These are categorized for clarity:

1. Valid Identification (for each parent/guardian in the home, provide at least one):

Driver’s License
State Issued ID
Voter’s Registration Card (Tennessee)
I-94 Card
Passport

2. Proof of Current Residency (at least one in the parent/guardian’s name):

Rent/Lease Agreement
Mortgage Receipt
Utility Bill

3. Verification of Citizenship (for each child needing care, at least one):

U.S. Passport
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (DHS Forms N-560 or N-561)
Birth Certificate
Hospital, clinic, or doctor records
Report or Certificate of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen

4. Relationship Verification (relevant documents like Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Court Orders):

Spouse/Partner/Other Parent
Sibling
Other children receiving assistance due to custody or birth

5. Income Verification (for each parent/guardian residing in the home, at least one):

Check stubs for the most recent eight (8) weeks of employment
Employer statement on company letterhead (signed and dated, if within eight weeks of employment or recent wage/hour change)
Federal 1040 (for self-employment verification, most recent year)
Award Letters
Self-Employment Reporting and Verification Form HS-3177
Child Care Certificate Program Verification of Employment Form hs-3550
Child Support Verification (court order, payment records)

6. School/College Attendance/Enrollment Verification (for parents/guardians):

Current class schedule per semester/quarter, verifying registration and attendance.

7. Additional Verifications:

Any other documents requested to determine eligibility.

Families First Recipients: If you are a Families First recipient, you may already be eligible. Contact your assigned Client Service Representative for specific guidance.

Finding a Child Care Provider

Locating a suitable child care provider is a crucial step. The Find Child Care tool can assist you in your search. You can search by address, provider name, or county. To find providers that accept Child Care Payment Assistance, filter your search by selecting the “Accepts Child Care Assistance Program” option. This ensures you find a provider that aligns with your financial assistance.

Understanding Your Co-Pay

If you qualify for assistance, you will have a co-pay amount to contribute towards child care costs. The co-pay chart provides an estimate based on your income and the number of children in care. Upon qualification, you will receive a precise co-pay amount. Timely payment of your co-pay is essential. Failure to pay may result in your child being terminated from the child care program.

For information on reimbursement rates, you can refer to the Current State Rate and QRIS Rating Bonus Table.

Transferring Child Care Providers

If you need to change child care providers, you can request a transfer through your One DHS Customer Portal. After logging in, navigate to the ‘Benefits Dashboard’ and find the ‘My Cases’ section. Select ‘Change Provider’ and complete the form to initiate the transfer.

Families First Participants: For transfer requests, Families First recipients should contact their assigned Client Service Representative for guidance.

Additional Resources for Parents

Beyond financial assistance, several resources are available to support parents and guardians. You can find additional child resources for parents here. This page offers guidance on choosing the right child care, understanding different types of providers in the state, and how the state evaluates child care quality. It also highlights the importance of regular checkups and developmental screenings for children.

For safe sleep practices for babies, resources are available here.

Furthermore, if you are eligible for child care payment assistance, you might also qualify for other support programs listed here, which can address various family needs.

Questions and Support

For any questions regarding child care payment assistance, parents and guardians can contact the One DHS Contact Center at 1-833-772-TDHS (8347). Alternatively, you can submit inquiries via the One DHS General Inquiry webform by clicking here.

Customer Experience Survey

Your feedback is valuable. Please take a moment to share your experience applying for child care payment assistance through the customer service survey available here. Your input helps improve the program and service delivery.