Caregiver Assistance Program
Often caregivers are not prepared to welcome a child (or children) into their home. It is common to feel overwhelmed and uncertain, but you don’t have to do this alone. Caregivers have access to a support program through the Safe Children Coalition.
The Caregiver Assistance Program(CAP) helps caregivers of children in relative or non-relative placement with an open dependency case. Most caregivers didn't expect to take in the child(ren) they are now caring for. With CAP, caretakers are not alone as they take on these new responsibilities and costs.
Ready to get started?
Contact the Caregiver Assistance Program at: cap@sccfl.org or 941-402-1101
Who do I work with?
Caregiver Support Specialist will help connect you to resources and supplies. You will also be given the option to obtain Level 1 Licensing, which is child specific. Rest assured this is only for the child(ren) you are caring for. You will not be asked to take in other children.
A Licensing Specialist will work with you and guide you through the licensing process. The Case Managerwill continue to oversee the case and help with the child’s needs. You will have a team of professionals to help both you and the child.
What are the benefits of Level 1 Licensing? Level 1 Licensed homes receive the follow support:
Foster care board rates: $551.61 (ages 0-5); $565.74 (ages 6-12); $728.41 (ages 13-21)
$200 childcare subsidy for ages 0-5 (per child, per month)
Medicaid to cover child’s medical, dental and therapeutic needs
Education tailored to the needs of the caregiver
Connections to community resources
Licensing Specialist provides extra support for the caregiver & child
Cooperation with Child Support Enforcement is NOT a requirement
Child does NOT need to be adjudicated to receive level 1/CAP funds
After 6 months of consecutive board rate payments, caregiver may be eligible for Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) if case goal changes to Permanent Guardianship
The Licensing Specialist will walk you through updating your home study. This includes a visit to your home and a minimal amount of paperwork. They will assess overall safety and caretaking. They may even be able to provide some household safety items you may need. They submit the updated home study for a special foster license for the children in your home. With your cooperation, the process is completed in 60 days or less so your funds will start as soon as possible.
What happens if a child can’t go home?
For some children, the court decides on a goal of Permanent Guardianship for the child. If you choose to be the child’s permanent guardian and received six consecutive months of payments, you may be eligible for the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP). GAP benefits for the child include: $333 per month & Medicaid until age 18, Florida college tuition exemption voucher and continued support. For children who are 16 or 17 years old when the agreement is completed, they can receive benefits through age 21.
Contact the Caregiver Assistance Program at: cap@sccfl.org or 941-402-1101