SECTION 340:10-18-1. Conditions of eligibility for support service funds for child only cases

(a)   Scope. In an effort to promote family stability and assist in the prevention of Child Welfare (CW) involvement, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) provides support service funds to child only cases when there is no natural or adoptive parent(s) in the home and a caretaker relative has assumed responsibility for rearing the child(ren). The worker provides or arranges payment(s) of the approved support service fund(s) determined appropriate to maintain the child(ren) in the home.

(b)   Support service funds. Payments for the services through support service funds are not an automatic entitlement to the child(ren). The worker determines on a case-by-case basis, whether to authorize payments and services. The county director or designee is responsible for periodically monitoring expenditures from the support service account.

(1)   The worker does not approve support service funds for:

(A)   fines, including traffic fines or any cost related to a criminal offense, such as legal fees or court costs;

(B)   items and services covered by SoonerCare (Medicaid);

(C)   ongoing household expenses, such as, but not limited to, rent, utilities, and car payments; or

(D)   payments to reimburse the client or another person for the cost of services already paid.

(2)   Before authorizing payment for support service funds, the worker:

(A)   determines if the service is available through any other resource. Resources may include other DHS programs, local churches, and civic groups; and

(B)   negotiates for goods and services for the child(ren) for the least possible cost. The negotiated amounts must not include state or local sales taxes.

(3)   Payments of specific services are allowed only after the service is rendered. To authorize payment, the:

(A)   worker signs an Authorization to Purchase form and gives it to the caretaker relative;

(B)   caretaker relative takes the Authorization to Purchase form to the provider;

(C)   provider renders the service and the caretaker relative signs the Authorization to Purchase form confirming the service was provided; and

(D)   provider sends the Authorization to Purchase form to DHS Finance and Administration for payment.

[Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 149, eff 12-1-00 (emergency); Added at 18 Ok Reg 1222, eff 5-11-01; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 764, eff 5-12-05; Amended at 34 Ok Reg 1441, eff 9-15-17]