Today’s topic is the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), which might be something you already know about and if that’s the case, just keep on moving…no need to stop and read. However, I know that there are many foster parents who are not aware of CCDF and how it can help them and their families, so I want to give a quick overview of it and to make you aware, dear foster parents, that you may qualify to receive it.
Now…first to define CCDF for you: it is a program designed to ensure that low-income families in Indiana have equal access to child care and educational opportunities. Firefly Children and Family Alliance (with whom you may have your foster care license) provides eligibility determination services for families accessing the CCDF program; to be clear, CCDF does not go through the foster care licensing department, but it is the same overall organization.
So in short, the CCDF program allows parents/foster parents to work while their child is in safe, high-quality, and licensed childcare. To get the ball rolling on the process, you need a referral from either your agency or DCS (if you are not with an agency). If you are with an agency (such as Firefly) you would contact the licensing department prior to applying for your CCDF so they can submit the appropriate paperwork. If you are with DCS, you would contact the licensing department for your county so they can so the same. One thing to note: you must have a placement in your home in order to apply, because the application is for a specific child or children; it is not a generic application for you to receive childcare for any foster child.
Once the paperwork has been filled out by the state representative for DCS (which basically determines that you are a foster parent and has approved your ability to apply), then you can proceed with your application.
As a foster parent, here are the stipulations for you, as listed on the CCDF website:
- Be a foster parent who is working, attending training, or going to school
- Have proof of identity for all family members
- Be a resident of the county where you are applying for assistance
- Children receiving care must be under 13, or a child over the age of 13 with documented special needs until 18th birthday
- The child receiving assistance must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien
Please note that there are income guidelines for non-foster parents who apply, but this does not apply to foster parents who are needing care for a foster child. However, you WILL have to submit your paystubs as part of the process. You do not have to financially qualify, but the paystubs will confirm that you are working (or both of you are working full-time if you are fostering with a partner) and are in need of CCDF.
And now for the absolutely very best news in this entire process: as a foster parent, you will jump to the head of the line; there is currently a lengthy wait to receive CCDF but foster parents move to the front of the waitlist.
So I know I went through this kind of quickly and maybe didn’t answer all your questions. If you do need additional information or have questions, feel free to email ccdfvouchers@FireflyIN.org or call 1-866-287-2420.
Sincerely,
Kris