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Virginia

Demonstration Type:	Subsidized Relative Custody
Approval Date:	March 31, 2006
Expected Implementation Date:	Terminated Prior to Implementation on September 14, 2007

Background

Virginia originally planned to implement its subsidized relative custody waiver no later than January 1, 2007. The State later postponed and then terminated its waiver prior to implementation due to a number of implementation barriers, including the need for State legislation to authorize subsidized relative custody as a permanency option; the need for modifications to the State's SACWIS to track data on children assigned to the demonstration; and budget constraints.

Target Population

Virginia's demonstration, known as the Subsidized Custody Program, planned to target title IV-E-eligible and non-IV-E-eligible children ages 0–18 for whom reunification and adoption had been ruled out as permanency options. Prospective legal custodians were to be relatives (e.g., a grandparent, uncle, aunt, older sibling, older cousin) with a significant personal relationship with the child and a demonstrated willingness to make a long-term commitment to the child's care.

Intervention

Specific service components of the demonstration were to include the following:

1. Subsidized Custody Payment: Relative caregivers would receive a monthly subsidy equal to the child's monthly foster care maintenance payment adjusted according to any special needs (e.g., physical, dental, mental health, developmental) of the child.
2. Payment for Non-Recurring Expenses: Relative custodians would receive a one-time payment to cover miscellaneous costs and legal fees necessary to establish the relative custody arrangement.
3. Pre- and Post-Permanency Supports and Services: Participating children and custodians would have access to a variety of pre- and post-permanency services, including counseling, crisis intervention, tutoring, and physical therapy as needed on a case-by-case basis.
4. Education and Training Vouchers: Children age 16 and older would be eligible for education and training vouchers funded through the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program.

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