NC DSS 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Act Funds

From Linda Waite: NC DHHS recognizes that the on-going COVID-19 public health crisis has impacted families and children across our state in many ways. The daily needs of children, youth, young adults, and families have increased, and financial resources have been overburdened.

As part of the on-going effort to address these needs, the General Assembly passed Session Law 2020-4, the 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Act, which appropriated federal CARES Act funding for children receiving foster care services. County DSS access to these funds, for children in their custody, has been made available through a process described in a Directors Letter (BG-08-2020) dated June 15, 2020.

These additional funds currently consist of a supplemental payment of $100 per month for each child or youth receiving foster care services during the months of April, May, and June 2020. The funds are intended to benefit the children and youth directly. Upon receipt by the County DSS, they should be paid directly to the foster family, or residential care provider, who cared for the child or youth during this period, or to the private child placing agency that supervised the foster family who should, in turn, pay the additional funds to the foster family. Young adults in the Foster Care 18 to 21 program should receive the funds in the same manner that their board rate is received. For example, if they receive their board funds directly, they should receive the supplemental payment directly. These funds are not intended to be used in the support of case work activities or administrative costs.

If you have questions or need clarification about the 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Act funds, please contact your Regional Child Welfare Consultant or your assigned Regulatory and Licensing Program Consultant.

Thank you for your anticipated participation and cooperation in this important process and, as always, thank you for your dedication to serving children and families.