WAC 388-454-0015 Temporary absence from the home

The child or the caretaker is temporarily absent from the home as long as the caretaker continues to be responsible for the care and control of the child.  Temporary absences cannot exceed ninety days except as described below.  A caretaker must report a child's absence in excess of ninety days as required under WAC 388-418-0005.  Temporary absences include:  

1. Receiving care in a hospital or public or private institution.  If the temporary care exceeds ninety days, the assistance payment for the person is reduced to the CPI amount specified under chapter 388-478 WAC.

2. Receiving care in a substance abuse treatment facility.  If the care exceeds ninety days, the assistance payment for the person is reduced to the CPI amount specified under chapter 388-478 WAC.

3. Visits in which the child or parent will be away for ninety days or less, including visits of a child to a parent who does not reside in the child's home.

4. Placement of a child in foster care when the child's caretaker is receiving care in a residential treatment facility or for other reasons as determined by the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS).  DCFS must determine that the child is expected to return to the home within 90 days of the foster care placement.

5. Placement of a child in foster care or in the temporary care of a relative, when:

   1. A parent or other relative applies for TANF or SFA on behalf of the child;

   2. The Division of Children and Family Services has determined the child will be placed in the care of the applying relative within 30 days following the authorization of assistance; and

   3. No concurrent TANF or SFA payments are made for the child while in the temporary care of a relative.

6. The child or caretaker is attending school or training as described in WAC 388-454-0020.