Support Services to 16/17 Year Olds Policy and Procedures Manual Table of Contents

Transcription

1 Policy and Procedures Manual Policy and Procedures Manual Table of Contents REVISIONS... 1 APRIL APRIL MAY CHAPTER 1.0 ELIGIBILITY AND ASSESSMENT AGREEMENTS FOR SERVICES TO 16/17 YEAR OLDS PARENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS APPEALS CHAPTER 2.0 BENEFIT RATES/APPROVALS BENEFIT RATES FOR 16/17 YEAR OLDS LIVING ARRANGEMENTS INDEPENDENT LIVING DAYCARE/BABYSITTING (CHILD CARE) EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES HEALTH SERVICES NORTHERN ALLOWANCE INCOME CHAPTER 3.0 ADMINISTRATION PAYMENTS CHAPTER 4.0 GENERAL SERVICES AND INFORMATION FIRST NATIONS YOUTH (WHO NORMALLY RESIDE ON-RESERVE) SUPPORT PAYMENTS (NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS) CHAPTER 5.0 CASE MANAGEMENT INTAKE ONGOING CASE MANAGEMENT CHAPTER 6.0 FORMS AGREEMENT FOR SERVICES TO 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS PREVENTIVE SERVICES CONTRACT BOARD AND ROOM CHECKLIST... 46

2 Policy and Procedures Manual 6.4 AGREEMENT BETWEEN SOCIAL SERVICES AND LANDLORD YOUTH SERVICES ASSESSMENT AND DEVELOPMENTAL PLAN... 49

3 Policy and Procedures Manual Revisions Introduction: This section was revised by updating language, re-ordering and removing the description of a client profile. 1.1 Revised and updated this section pertaining to Income Assistance and Community Living Division interface and updated to include Linkin processes. 1.2 Revised requirements regarding parental contributions 2.1: Establishment of Benefit Rates for 16/17 Year Old Youth: Change to benefit rates as follows: Initial clothing allowance increase to $230 Deleted Additional Clothing and added Exceptional Clothing $200 Graduation -$250 Maternity -$200 Layette -$200 Laundry -$25 Independent Living Rate Changes: o Rent - $450 o Household Set-up - $400 o Basic Allowance (Food, Household) - $300 o Monthly Clothing, Personal and Spending - as per child care rates o Dependent Child - $195/child o Infant Furniture - $250 Funeral Expenses - $3850 as per SAP rates Flower Arrangement - $150 Kilometer rate - PSC rates Deleted Advocate Fees $40 3.0: Administration Updated Procedures to include Linkin details. 4.0: General Services and Information Moved Criminal Record Check section to Chapter 2.2 Living Arrangements 5.0: Case Management Updated Intake and Ongoing Case Management to include Linkin processes

4 Policy and Procedures Manual 6.0: Forms New chapter contains all forms which were previously included in chapters throughout the manual. New optional form Youth Services Assessment and Developmental Plan added to standardize case documentation for youth services program. April : Establishment of Benefit Rates for 16/17 Year Old Youth, 2.2 Living Arrangements Increase the Benefit Rates for Clothing, Personal and Spending allowance by 2% effective April 1, 2015 for the 2015/16 fiscal year in order to align with Children s Services manual rates. May : Establishment of Benefit Rates for 16/17 Year Old Youth, 2.2 Living Arrangements Delete Northern rates for Clothing, Personal and Spending allowance as there is a Northern Allowance that provides additional funding for youth living in Northern communities ( north of 54 th parallel see Chapter 2.7 for chart listing northern communities). Changed title name to Benefit Rates for 16/17 Year Old Youth. 2.2 Living Arrangements Delete Northern rates in this section for Clothing, Personal and Spending allowance as indicated above.

5 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds CHAPTER 1.0 ELIGIBILITY AND ASSESSMENT 1.1 Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds Legislative Authority Section 10 of The Child and Family Services Act authorizes services to youth 16 and 17 years of age who are in need of care and supervision and: there is no parent willing to assume the responsibility for the person; or the person cannot be re-established with his or her family. The Minister may, by agreement with the youth, provide residential services, financial services or both to that youth. Intent Section 10 of The Child and Family Services Act authorizes services to youth 16 and 17 years of age who require financial support and supervision which the parent refuses or is unable to provide, including the ability to control or set limits for the youth. This provision is not intended to usurp the parent's responsibilities or to erode parental rights. 1. Where the parents remain willing to work with the youth and the youth is not in need of protection, an Agreement for Services to 16 & 17 Year Olds (also known as a Section 10 Agreement) is not appropriate and a referral should be made for support services, i.e., Child and Youth Services, Mental Health, etc. 2. The provision in Section 10 of The Child and Family Services Act that there is "...no parent willing to assume the responsibility..." includes the parent who is abusive toward the youth or whose expectations of the dependent youth result in irreconcilable differences between the parent and youth. 3. The intent of this program is to assist the youth when he or she is unable to live with family and to help him or her work toward reconciliation or self-reliance. Wherever possible, parents should be involved in the case plan for the youth. Policy An Agreement for Services to 16 and 17 Year Olds may be entered into with a youth who requests services and is willing to accept care, supervision and direction from the Ministry, including participation in an approved educational or treatment plan, if it is assessed that he/she cannot return to, or remain in, the family home. Page 3 of 53

6 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds Procedures Determining Eligibility When determining eligibility the intake caseworker will complete an assessment that will, wherever possible, include parental involvement. The purpose of the assessment is: o to determine if the needs of the youth meet eligibility criteria (See Practice Guidelines); o to determine the needs and interventions required in comprehensive service delivery to that youth. The assessment should include contact with the family s Income Assistance caseworker, if the youth is a dependent of a family on an active Saskatchewan Assistance Plan file, and the Child Protection worker if the family has child protection involvement. An investigation case will be opened and intake information documented in Linkin. An ongoing case is created following approval of the Section 10 Agreement for Services. See Linkin website, Linkin Training How to 16/17 year old Section 10 Services. Preventative Services Support services provided to 16 and 17 year old youth include preventative services as well as services agreed to in a Section 10 Agreement for Services. These services should be an integral part of service delivery. Whenever possible, preventative services will be offered to a family prior to consideration of a Section 10 Agreement for Services. Preventative services may include: o payment of travel costs for counselling o fee for mediation/counselling services o nomination for health coverage for families with a child needing medication and the family cannot afford the cost o access to a particular course, such as parenting classes or support groups. If a situation cannot be resolved, services such as crisis mediation may be provided to the family while the youth resides in the home. Crisis mediation services may be made available as a means of stabilizing a family in crisis. This is not to replace Page 4 of 53

7 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds other publicly funded counselling services. Residential services may be provided to the youth while the family participates in programming. A youth services file will be opened and a Preventative Services Agreement will be completed with the youth and/or family. See Linkin website, Linkin Training How to 16/17 year old Preventative Services Note: ALL preventative agreements MUST receive Director/designate approval. Agreement for Services (Section 10): 1. Agreement Case Plan: Creativity and flexibility is encouraged in helping the youth develop a case plan which will meet his/her needs. The case plan should be short term. Lengths of approximately four to six months will encourage the youth to progress towards independence or a return home. An assessment, including interviews with the parents/guardians regarding their rights and responsibilities, will provide the information required to complete a case plan. The timelines for activities, evaluation of case plan progress and termination, must be noted. The roles and responsibilities of each party in the case plan must be clearly defined. Counselling may be included for the youth, as well as the parents/guardians if they are part of the case plan. 2. Agreement Conditions: The Agreement for Services to 16 and 17 Year Olds (Form SSS 2089) is prepared detailing the case plan, which will include frequency of contact with the youth. Clauses may be altered, added or deleted to make the agreement specific to the youth's situation and to ensure that expectations are clearly understood. The Agreement may also include reference to the ongoing role of the parent. Page 5 of 53

8 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds If the person is believed to be intellectually disabled, consultation with Community Living Service Delivery may be necessary. 3. Independent Third Party Advice: The youth should be advised that he or she has the right to seek advice from an independent third party before signing the agreement. This does not necessarily mean legal advice but could include the input of a close family friend, a member of the youth's church or a member of the youth's First nation Band. The youth should be informed that any fee for independent advice is incurred at his/her own expense. The exception is a mentally challenged youth who will need an advocate (to be paid at a rate approved by the Ministry). 4. Agreement Approval: The agreement will be signed, in duplicate, by the youth and the caseworker. A copy will be kept on the youth services paper file and the original will be given to the youth. The case plan and the agreement must be approved and signed by the supervisor/service manager, then forwarded to the Director who will sign the agreement on behalf of the Minister. 5. Agreement Extension: The term of the agreement shall not exceed six months but may be renewed if it is determined to be in the best interest of the youth. A renewal of the agreement must include an updated case plan, and a new agreement, recommended by the supervisor, for Director' or designate approval. Page 6 of 53

9 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds 6. Termination of the Agreement: Formal procedures to terminate an agreement by the youth and the Ministry are necessary. The agreement may be terminated by either party giving 48 hours notice, in writing. Verbal notice of termination from the youth may be accepted as well /17 Year Old Youth with Children Young parents receiving Section 10 Agreement benefits will be assisted to apply for the Child Tax Benefit (this requires that an Income Tax return be filed). The caseworker will include a basic allowance of $195 for each child in the care of the young parent. Any other needs such as child daycare will be assessed and provided as per policy in Chapter 2.1. The caseworker will nominate parent and child(ren) for Ward coverage (Plan 3). NOTE: The following documents are found in Chapter 6 Forms : Agreement for Services to 16 and 17 Year Olds (SSS 2089) Preventative Services Agreement (SSS 2014) These forms are also available in office stockrooms. Practice Guidelines Eligibility Criteria and 17 Year Old Youth Requesting Services: Youth who are being physically, sexually or emotionally abused, where remaining in that situation would result in serious risk of personal injury, and for whom the family has no other resources; Youth whose parents, guardians or caregivers are refusing to care for and provide for the needs of that youth; Page 7 of 53

10 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds Youth in irreconcilable parent/youth conflict situations where the family is no longer a resource; Youth with serious emotional, behavioural and / or physical health concerns such that remaining in the home could pose a risk to them or to others, and where no other family resources are available to meet these special needs; Autonomous youth who are in need of financial and/or emotional support services (i.e., youth who have had no connection to home for an extended period of time, or orphaned youth); If the youth is a dependent child on an active Saskatchewan Assistance Plan (SAP) file, the same guidelines will be followed in the intake as with other youth; When a 16 or 17 year old youth is a member of a family wherein younger siblings must be taken into care due to protection concerns, a Section 10 Agreement may be considered for the youth if he/she is also considered to be at risk. Alternatively, the youth may be apprehended if he/she is in need of protection and is not capable of leaving the family home, i.e. is intellectually challenged or is threatened, etc. 2. Youth Already in Care: When a youth has been in care by way of a temporary wardship or through a Section 9 Residential Services Agreement and turns 16 but requires continuing services, the caseworker may consider entering into a Section 10 Agreement. Use of a Section 10 Agreement will allow for provision of ongoing services with input from the youth. When an application to court to extend the wardship past the youth's 16th birthday has been refused and the parents will not participate in planning, a Section 10 Agreement may be used. 3. Out of Service Area: If a youth is requesting services when his/her parents reside in another service area, the office where the youth applies will attempt to contact the parents and request input from the home service area. A consultation with the home service area and the office where the youth applies will determine who will be the case manager. Page 8 of 53

11 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds Provision of services will be based on assessment. Factors will include: o reasons for the move out of the parental home and out of the service area; o risk factors in the home; o level of family involvement; o services available in the home service area; o supports available in the service area of youth's choice. 4. Out of Province: Youth will be referred back to their home province for assessment and support, unless exceptional circumstances exist, in which case, services under this program may be provided to the youth, in consultation with the youth s home province. Factors to be considered include: o level of family involvement; o home province s assessment of situation; o services available in home province; o any other reasons compelling the youth's move. Contact with the home province is recommended in the development of a case plan for the youth. Interim services during the assessment may be provided. 5. Youth with Children: Services may be provided after a thorough assessment of the youth's needs and home situation. Section 10 services will not be provided to youth who are: o resident in the home of their parents; o resident in a high risk or potentially high risk environment. In this case, a referral must be made for Child Protection Services. If an assessment determines the young parent is not eligible for Section 10 benefits, referral and assistance to access other services should be provided. Page 9 of 53

12 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 6. First Nations Youth: 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds This program will not provide access to financial services which are already available through alternate sources, i.e. First Nation Bands, Aboriginal Affairs Northern Development Canada (AANDC). An assessment will be completed for any youth who indicates that they are at serious risk of abuse if they were to return to or remain with family on Reserve. Assessment will include contact with the First Nation Band and/or First Nation Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Agency. All planning should be in consultation and cooperation with the First Nation Band and/or FNCFS Agency to develop alternative support systems for the youth. 7. Transition Planning for Youth: Refer to the Children s Services Manual, Chapter 11.15: "Protocol for Adult Transition Planning of Individuals in Care of the Minister. Income Assistance should be notified at least one month prior to the youth s 18th birthday to ensure adequate case planning and assessment. In complex situations Income Assistance may need to be included in planning at an earlier stage. If a youth applies for services in the Section 10 program within one month of their 18th birthday, she/he will be advised to apply for eligibility for Income Assistance services on their 18th birthday. In the meantime, if emergency assistance is required for food and accommodation or for other needs, these can be provided as emergency funding from the Section 10 program. 8. Intellectually Challenged Youth: Services will be provided to intellectually challenged youth in the same manner as they would be provided to other youth in collaboration with the youth and his/her parents, and with other applicable programs, including the Community Living Service Delivery Division. Actions taken to address the needs of the youth will vary depending on such elements as cost of services and the length of time services/benefits are needed. It is vital that other program personnel are consulted as soon as Page 10 of 53

13 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds possible in the case planning, as to the role they play in providing services/benefits and case management. Refer to the Children s Services Manual, Chapter 11.15: "Protocol for Adult Transition Planning of Individuals in Care of the Minister". 9. Youth Who Are 18 Years of Age: In accordance with The Child and Family Services Act, Section 10 services cannot be granted to young persons who have reached their 18th birthday; however efforts should be made by a caseworker to ensure linkages are made to appropriate services. In the case where a youth turns 18 and is still attending high school and will beyond their 18 th birthday, every effort should be made by the Ministry to support the youth to complete his/her education. This may require discussions with other benefit programs to approve continued payment of excess accommodation rates and other special needs costs. 10. Married Youth: In general, 16 or 17 year old youth who are married, will not be eligible for Section 10 benefits. In the event they qualify for Income Assistance benefits, a youth services caseworker may be part of the case planning team if that particular office determines it is appropriate. Exceptional situations may be considered, for example youth who are parenting. Director approval is required in these instances. 11. Youth Living in Common-law arrangements: In general the Support Services Program for 16 and 17 year olds will not support common-law living arrangements for youth, however, exceptional situations may be considered, for example youth who are parenting. Director approval is required. When a 16 or 17 year old applies or requests services as a common-law partner to a person receiving Income Assistance benefits, the Income Assistance caseworker will make a referral to the Support Services for 16 and 17 Year Olds Program for an assessment. Page 11 of 53

14 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.1: Agreements for Services to 16/17 Year Olds In cases such as this, caseworkers for 16 and 17 year olds will make efforts to assess the situation and offer emergency services to ensure the youth's basic needs are provided. The youth should be informed that he/she may apply for Section 10 benefits if they are still 16 or 17 years of age and the common-law relationship ends. Page 12 of 53

15 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.2: Parental Contributions CHAPTER 1.0 ELIBILITY AND DOCUMENTATION 1.2 Parental Contributions Legislative Authority Section 3(1) of The Family Maintenance Act states: "...Every parent has an obligation to provide maintenance, in accordance with need, for his or her child, to the extent the parent is capable of doing so..." Section 2(b) of The Family Maintenance Act defines a child as a person who: (i) (ii) is under the age of 18 years; or is 18 years of age or over and is unable, by reason of illness or disability, to withdraw from his or her parents' charge or to obtain the necessaries of life. Policy As appropriate to their means, parents may contribute to the care of their youth during the time the youth is in receipt of services under an Agreement for Services to 16 and17 Year Olds pursuant to Section 10 of The Child and Family Services Act. Procedures Contributions may take one of the following forms: o Voluntary payment made directly to the youth or caregiver. (In this case, the monthly entitlement may be reduced by the amount of the parental contribution, as agreed to and discussed with the caseworker s supervisor.) o Parents agree to be responsible for the clothing and/or special needs of the youth as they arise. o It should be clearly documented on the Agreement whether the parent will contribute and what form the contribution will take. Page 13 of 53

16 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.3: Appeals CHAPTER 1.0 ELIBILITY AND DOCUMENTATION 1.3 Appeals Policy Youth (or their families) who are dissatisfied with the Ministry s services under the Support Services to 16 and 17 Year Olds program (including refusal of services or termination) are entitled to a review. Procedures All youth for whom services are refused must be sent written notification outlining the reasons that services are refused. All refusal letters will include a standard paragraph outlining how to request a review of their application. All youth whose involvement with the Ministry is being terminated must be informed in writing of the reason(s) for the termination. All letters of termination must include the Ministry brochure Your Right to Appeal. Practice Guidelines Any decision by a caseworker to refuse or terminate services will be made in consultation with the supervisor. A refusal or termination letter will be sent to the youth from the caseworker. This letter must clearly outline the reasons for refusal or termination of the requested service. It also must clearly state the name of a supervisor and/or manager who may be contacted if the youth or family disagrees with the decision. The letter will include reference to any referrals made or recommended actions for the youth and/or the family. Along with the Your Right to Appeal brochure, the letter will contain a paragraph similar to the following: "...If you are not satisfied with the above decision you may ask for a review of your case as outlined in the accompanying brochure, by stating your concerns in writing or by contacting (name), Child and Family Services at Page 14 of 53

17 Chapter 1: Eligibility and Assessment 1.3: Appeals (address), (phone number), within 30 days of the date of this letter. The youth or family and/or a support person must be given an opportunity to be heard in person, or to present written submissions to the Director before a final decision is made. Page 15 of 53

18 Chapter 2: Benefit Rates/Approvals 2.1: Establishment of Benefit Rates for 16/17 Year Olds CHAPTER 2.0 BENEFIT RATES/APPROVALS 2.1 Benefit Rates for 16/17 Year Olds Legislative Authority Section 10 of The Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) authorizes services to youth 16 and 17 years of age who are in need of care and supervision and: there is no parent willing to assume the responsibility for the youth; or the youth cannot be re-established with his or her family. The Minister may, by agreement with the youth, provide residential services, financial services or both to that youth. Policy The Ministry may provide assistance to cover basic and special needs of youth in receipt of services under an Agreement for Services to 16 & 17 Year Olds pursuant to Section 10 of The Child and Family Services Act. Procedures The following rates will apply to the Support Services Program for 16/17 Year Olds. These are standard rates - lesser amounts may be granted where adequate or greater amounts may be provided when necessary with Director approval as exceptional needs. Northern Allowance of $50.00 per month is paid to youth living in Northern communities (see Chapter 2.7.) BOARD AND ROOM BASIC NEEDS MONTHLY RATE APPROVAL Board and Room: Basic Supervised Up to $400 $400-$600 $600+ Caseworker Supervisor Director/designate Clothing $154 /month Caseworker Personal $51 /month Caseworker Spending Allowance $60 /month Caseworker Infant/Child Maintenance $195 /month /child Caseworker May 2015 Page 16 of 53

19 Chapter 2: Benefit Rates/Approvals 2.1: Establishment of Benefit Rates for 16/17 Year Olds Transportation Bus pass or Caseworker equivalent Northern Allowance $50 /month Caseworker INDEPENDENT LIVING BASIC NEEDS MONTHLY RATE APPROVAL Rent Up to $450 > $450 Caseworker Supervisor Basic (Food / Household) up to $300 Caseworker Clothing $154 /month Caseworker Personal $ 51 /month Caseworker Spending $ 60 /month Caseworker Infant/Child maintenance $195 /month /child Caseworker Transportation Bus Pass or Caseworker equivalent Northern Allowance $50 /month Caseworker SPECIAL NEEDS RATE APPROVAL Medical (other than Plan 3) As required Supervisor Recreation (according to case plan) up to $300 /year > $300 /year Caseworker/Supervisor Director/designate Education (books/fees) Other Education Services $125 /year, as needed < $300 > $300 Caseworker Caseworker/Supervisor Director/designate Travel (public/private) Bus Pass or Caseworker equivalent Telephone Basic Service Caseworker Mediation ( contracted) Actual cost Director/designate Child Care: - licensed - subsidized - in school - babysitting Actual cost Actual cost Actual cost As approved per case plan Caseworker Caseworker Caseworker Supervisor Clothing: - Initial $230 Caseworker May 2015 Page 17 of 53

20 Chapter 2: Benefit Rates/Approvals 2.1: Establishment of Benefit Rates for 16/17 Year Olds - Exceptional - Graduation - Maternity - Layette $200 $250 $200 $200 Supervisor Supervisor Caseworker Caseworker Infant Furniture $250 Caseworker Special Diets: - Youth - Child - Infant Actual > $120 Actual > $90 Actual > $70 Caseworker Caseworker Caseworker Laundry $30 /month /person Caseworker Meals Away Accommodation Away SPECIAL NEEDS (INDEPENDENT LIVING ONLY) Damage Deposit Not to exceed PSC rates Not to exceed PSC rates Caseworker Caseworker Up to equivalent of Caseworker 1 month's rent Household setup $400 Supervisor Utilities / hookups Actual Caseworker OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS NEED RATE APPROVAL Criminal Record Check Actual Caseworker Birth Certificate/SIN Actual Caseworker DNA test Parent non-parent Travel (Repatriation) Meals/accommodation PARENTAL PREVENTIVE: Mediation, Counseling Actual $10 /day PSC Rates Actual Cost Director/designate <$300-Caseworker/Supervisor >$300-Director/designate Director/designate May 2015 Page 18 of 53

21 Chapter 2: Benefit Rates/Approvals Section 2.2: Living Arrangements CHAPTER 2.0 BENEFIT RATES/APPROVALS 2.2 Living Arrangements Policy The Ministry may make payment for supervised board and room services to those youth 16 or 17 years of age who are willing to accept care and supervision as identified in an approved case plan. Procedures Approval for Board and Room 1. The caseworker determines whether a board and room situation is an appropriate placement for a particular youth given the youth's needs and the suitability of the resource. 2. The supervisor or caseworker approves the placement of a youth in a board and room resource. 3. An initial approval of any board and room placement must include, at minimum, the following: Prior to placement a Criminal Record Check and Linkin /ACI search must be completed for every person over 18 residing in the home; It must be determined that any person living in the home does not have a criminal record or history that could place the youth at risk. 4. The Ministry will cover the cost of a Criminal Record Check when a home is approved as a resource for a youth. 5. Home Assessment, including home safety check: It must be determined that the home meets acceptable home safety and health standards appropriate to the community and needs of the youth, including: o uncluttered corridors, working smoke alarms, posted evacuation plan, and fire escape options, windows that meet safety standards; o safe storage of flammable products; o sleeping arrangements that are safe, comfortable, age and gender appropriate; o a reasonable level of cleanliness is maintained; o meals are regular, reasonably proportioned and balanced nutritionally; o access to washroom facilities that assure privacy. May 2015 Page 19 of 53

22 Chapter 2: Benefit Rates/Approvals Section 2.2: Living Arrangements It must be determined that the home meets acceptable standards of care appropriate to the community and needs of the youth. Some guidelines in this determination include: o a reasonable understanding and acceptance of youth development; o willingness to accommodate family involvement as required; o willingness to work in co-operation with the Ministry according to the requirements of the youth's case plan. The home assessment must be documented and signed by the caseworker and supervisor. 6. The youth should be advised that he/she will be accountable for damages to property in the caregiver's home. Notice should be in writing and youth should sign indicating awareness of this policy at the bottom of the Board and Room Checklist (SSS See sample form following "Chapter 6.3"). 7. Caregivers should be advised to obtain damage insurance for their homes. 8. Supervision by the board and room provider may include: teaching daily living skills including money management, hygiene and nutrition; monitoring youth's progress in areas of daily living skills and personal safety; observing and reporting youth's needs to the caseworker; working with the youth in their transition back home or to independent living. 9. Board and room may be provided in an approved Foster Home, including Therapeutic Foster Care or any approved group home at board and room rates. Note: In exceptional circumstances, foster home rates may be paid with Director, Service Delivery/designate approval. Board and Room/Young Parents Whenever possible young parents receiving benefits are expected to reside in a board and room arrangement. The board and room rate will be based on the level of care required by the youth and their dependent child. Basic maintenance ($195 /month) for dependent children will be paid by the Ministry and the youth will apply for the Child Tax Benefit (s). May 2015 Page 20 of 53