R512-308-6. Guardianship Subsidy Availability, Scope, Duration

  (1) Guardianship subsidies are available to meet the needs for children in out-of-home care:

  (a) For whom guardianship has been determined as the most appropriate primary goal.

  (b) Who do not otherwise have adequate resources available for his or her care and maintenance.

  (c) Who meet the qualifying factors described in R512-308-3 and also either R512-308-4 or R512-308-5.

  (i) For prospective guardians who are also relatives of the child, the caseworker must be provided with a copy of a denial letter or other written proof obtained from the Department of Workforce Services verifying that the prospective guardian does not meet the requirements for the Specified Relative Grant.

  (d) In order to be considered for a guardianship subsidy, the prospective guardian must be a licensed out-of-home care provider and demonstrate that they cannot qualify for a Specified Relative Grant through the Department of Workforce Services as outlined in R512-308-6.

  (2) The request for the guardianship subsidy shall be reviewed by the regional guardianship screening committee and regional administration. The regional guardianship subsidy screening committee shall determine if the request is approved or denied.

  (3) A prospective guardian shall not receive both the Specified Relative Grant and the guardianship subsidy. If a prospective guardian is found to be receiving both a Specified Relative Grant and guardianship subsidy for the same child, the caseworker will notify the Department of Workforce Services and appropriate actions may be taken by the Department of Workforce Services for repayment.

  (4) Guardianship subsidies are available through the month in which the child reaches age 18 years.

  (5) Each region may establish a limit to the number of eligible children who may receive guardianship subsidies.

  (6) Guardianship subsidies are subject to the availability of state funds designated for this purpose.