Rule and Procedure Table of Contents


Section 359.66 Payment for Transitional Living Program Services (TLP)

a) TLP Basic Life Skills Training | b) TLP Vocational Training Employment | c) TLP Life Skills Coordination - | d) TLP Life Skills Coordination - | e) TLP Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator - | f) TLP Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator - | g) TLP Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator Travel | h) TLP Caregiver/Caseworker Training | i) TLP Counseling Agency | j) TLP Counseling - Individual | k) TLP Youth Learning Incentive | l) TLP Transitional Living Start-Up Grant | m) TLP School Expense | n) TLP Graduation Expense | o) TLP Tuition | p) TLP Tutoring | q) TLP Field Trips | r) TLP Youth Transportation - Employment | s) TLP Youth Transportation - Education | t) TLP Youth Transportation - Recreation | u) TLP Youth Transportation - Visitation | v) TLP Youth Transportation - Other | w) TLP Travel Reimbursement - Volunteer | x) TLP Youth Activity Fees | y) TLP Youth Membership Fees | z) TLP Youth Retreats | aa) TLP Camp Fees | bb) TLP Youth Handbooks | cc) TLP Work Clothes and Supplies | dd) TLP Future Use Services | ee) TLP Future Use

The following items apply generally to all TLP support services. The type service code, instructions and authorized rates for each individual service will be listed separately.

Age Level: Ages 14-21

Approval Level: Transitional Administrator, Regional Administrator or designee for payment documents.

Preconditions: Limited to DCFS wards in type service codes 0101, 0102, 0103, 0105, 0106, 0107, 0109, 0114, 0115, 0140, 0201, 0203

Payment documents:          CFS 1042 - for service detail

C-02 - for individual contractors

C-13 - to be prepared by Regional Business Office

CFS 932


a) TLP Basic Life Skills Training

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2001 TLP Basic Life Skills Training                                                                 CFS 1042

Instructions: Group or individual instruction for youth in basic life skills may be purchased from individual trainers or organizations. Payments are made at a negotiated hourly rate for hours of instruction. The hourly rate would reflect preparation time needed. Expenses and refreshments would be reimbursed at cost.


b) TLP Vocational Training Employment

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2002 TLP Vocational Employment Training                                                   CFS 1042

Instructions: Vocational training classes, job coaches, subsidized employment, sheltered workshops, and trade school tuition may be purchased for eligible youth. Tuition, grant amounts, or rates of pay will be determined by negotiated contracts or established community fee standards.


c) TLP Life Skills Coordination - Agency

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2003 Life Skills Coordination - Agency                                                          CFS 1042

Instructions: Payment may be made for life skills instructor services through an agency contract which includes supporting youth to achieve objectives and goals which will enhance the youth's maturity and ability to function as an independent, self-sufficient individual. As negotiated by contract.


d) TLP Life Skills Coordination - Individual

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2004 Life Skills Coordination - Individual                                                      CFS 1042

Instructions: Payment may be made for life skills instructor services purchased from an individual. Payment will not be made for supplies, meals, or activities outside the realm of the contract. Payment may be made at the negotiated hourly rate for the actual hours on assignment. Life skills instructors shall not be assigned responsibilities that cause them to work more than 40 hours per week unless special contract approval has been received from the Director. When the life skills instructor is attending staff development sessions or case-related supervisory conferences, payment is made at the negotiated hourly rate for travel time and the time in attendance. A client I.D. must be assigned to all payments except medical examinations, training and travel to and from training. For these three types of expense, the I.D. will be 999999 followed by the region number, e.g. 1A.

Life skills instructors who work by the hour will be paid at the hourly rate negotiated by the Deputy Director of Education and Transitional Services. The rate will be based on experience and education but will not be lower than the minimum wage.


e) TLP Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator - Training

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2005 Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator - Training                                         CFS 1042

Instructions: Payment may be made to providers of training to life skill instructors at negotiated hourly rates for actual hours of work, or at reasonable prices per deliverable. A program plan shall detail the services to be provided, the target group receiving the services, the means to evaluate the success of the training, and the method of payment. The payment provisions shall detail hours of work and/or deliverables to be received. A budget outlining costs for services and expenses is required. Reasonable expenses directly related to the services may be compensated. Reimbursement for costs of travel shall be in accordance with the Department of Central Management Services (DCMS) and DCFS travel regulations.


f) TLP Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator - Medical Exam

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2006 Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator - Medical Exam                         CFS 1042

Instructions: Life skills instructors may be reimbursed for the required physical examinations, tuberculin skin test, and, if indicated, chest x-ray and other laboratory test prescribed by the physician and/or Department. Life skills instructors are to be encouraged to use the benefits of private health coverage if covered by existing insurance policies.

Up to $75.00 is allowed per examination. Bills over $75.00 must have prior approval in writing from the Regional Administrator and must be attached to the bill. If the life skills instructor is to be reimbursed for the physical, such expenses are to be included in the reimbursable expense maximum of the contract.


g) TLP Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator Travel

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2007 Life Skills Instructor/Coordinator - Travel                                            CFS 1042

Instructions: Payment will not be made for supplies, meals or activities outside the realm of the contract. Payment may be made at the negotiated hourly rate for the actual hours on assignment. Travel Coordinators shall not be assigned responsibilities which cause them to work more than 40 hours per week unless special contract approval has been received from the Director. When the life skills instructor is attending staff development sessions or case-related supervisory conferences, payment is made at the negotiated hourly rate for travel time and the time in attendance. A client I.D. must be assigned to all payments except medical examinations, training and travel to and from training. For these three types of expense, the I.D. will be 999999 followed by the region number, e.g. 1A.

Reimbursement for the cost of travel shall be in accordance with the DCMS and DCFS travel regulations. Reimbursement for travel time and travel costs shall be part of the contract. Reimbursement will be made for reasonable amounts spent for bus fare, or taxi fare where no bus transportation is available. Life skills instructors using their own cars for transportation shall have a driver's license and proof of public liability coverage and property damage in their insurance policies. Travel reimbursement may be made in accordance with DCMS and DCFS Travel Regulations.

Proof shall be available in the Regional contract file. Recommended coverage is $100,000 each person, $300,000 each accident, and $25,000 for property damage or the minimum required by law.


h) TLP Caregiver/Caseworker Training

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2008 Caregiver/Caseworker - Training                                                          CFS 1042

Instructions: Contracts for training and for recruitment of foster parents may be negotiated with an individual or agency demonstrating expertise in the field. The cost of registration fees, training sessions and related travel costs, including babysitting for the children of individual DCFS foster parents, may be reimbursed as negotiated by contract via voucher if adequate documentation (receipts showing proof of expenditure by the foster parents) is attached to the voucher.


i) TLP Counseling Agency

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2010 TLP Counseling - Agency                                                                      CFS 1042

Instructions: Counseling purchased from an agency in accordance with a negotiated contract and with prior approval of the TLP Administrator.


j) TLP Counseling - Individual

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2011 TLP Counseling - Individual                                                                  CFS 1042

Instructions: Counseling is available with approval of the TLP Administrator. Counseling purchased from an individual in accordance with a negotiated contract, including services and expenses, as negotiated by contract.


k) TLP Youth Learning Incentive

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2012 TLP Youth Learning Incentive                                                              CFS 1042

Instructions: Youth may receive up to the amount in Appendix A (III) (b) as an incentive to participate in and complete a basic life skills training course. Payment may be made through the basic skills training contract and paid out per class session or at other less frequent intervals.


l) TLP Transitional Living Start-Up Grant

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2013 TLP Transitional Living Start-up Grant                                       CFS 932

Instructions: Payment to adolescents who are admitted into the TLP Initiative. In order to assist a youth initially, a payment up to the amount in Appendix A (III) (b) may be made as an initial independent living payment. This start-up grant, up to the amount in Appendix A (III) (b), will be received by the youth. Additionally, initial expenses related to setting up a household may be partially subsidized by the Department up to the maximum of amounts in Appendix A (III) (b). The adolescent will present an itemized list of necessities to the worker who will review it and who may authorize a payment of the necessary amount up to the amount in Appendix A (III) (b).


m) TLP School Expense

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2014 TLP School Expenses                                                                            CFS 932

Instructions: Allowable as required and accompanied by statement of need from school. May include such supplies as material for wood shop class, industrial arts supplies, home economics supplies, lab supplies, etc.


n) TLP Graduation Expense

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2015 TLP Graduation Expenses                                                                     CFS 932

Instructions: For all items including pictures, yearbook, cap and gown rental, class ring, new clothing for graduation and other fees. See Appendix A (III) (b) for amount maximum.


o) TLP Tuition

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2016 TLP Tuition                                                                                            CFS 932

Instructions: Tuition may be paid for eligible youth to attend special classes that would assist them in completing a high school degree or equivalency. Payment will be based on the rates charged by the schools or training centers.


p) TLP Tutoring

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2017 TLP Tutoring                                                                                          CFS 1042 or 932

Instructions: Purchase Authorization must be accompanied by a written recommendation and tutor approval from the classroom teacher. If payment is expected to reach or exceed $24,999 to a single provider, the Regional Contract Unit should be contacted regarding the need for a contract. For payments to a single provider that are less than $24,999, the vouchers are to be submitted to the Business Manager for processing. The prevailing community rate should be used.


q) TLP Field Trips

 

Type Service Code                                                                       Document

2018 TLP Field Trips                                                                                       CFS 932

Instructions: Purchase Authorization for payment must be accompanied by recommendation from the TLP Administrator. See Appendix A (III) (b) for amounts.


r) TLP Youth Transportation - Employment

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2019 TLP Youth Transportation - Employment                                            CFS 932

Instructions: Transportation expenses may be paid for a youth to travel to and from work at the most economical rates. Requests for payment are to be submitted by the vendor. If foster parents must provide transportation, reimbursement may be made in accordance with DCMS and DCFS Travel Regulations.


s) TLP Youth Transportation - Education

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2020 TLP Youth Transportation - Education                                                CFS 932

Instructions: Staff should assure that Department wards are provided transportation by local school districts consistent with the provision in Article 29 of the School Code of Illinois.

If special equipment is needed, a rental arrangement is preferred. If, however, purchase of said equipment is more economical, Department purchasing rules must be followed. Purchased items remain with the child.


t) TLP Youth Transportation - Recreation

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2021 TLP Youth Transportation - Recreation                                               CFS 932

Instructions: Transportation expenditures are allowable only for transportation to and from recreational activities by the most economical means. Requests for payment are to be submitted by the vendor. If foster parents must provide transportation by personal automobile, reimbursement must be made in accordance with the DCMS and DCFS Travel Regulations.


u) TLP Youth Transportation - Visitation

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2022 TLP Youth Transportation - Visitation                                                 CFS 932

Instructions: Transportation expenses to home of former foster parents, mentors or relatives. Must be authorized prior to travel and only when the past relationships are to be maintained. Workers' expenses are paid by travel voucher (C-10) accompanied by receipts. Non-state employees' expenses are payable via (C-13) from the Region's contractual line. Travel expenses must be made in accordance with the DCMS and DCFS Travel Regulations.


v) TLP Youth Transportation - Other

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2023 TLP Youth Transportation - Other                                                       CFS 932

Instructions: Transportation expenses may be paid for a youth to travel for reasons other than employment, recreation, education, and visitation only with prior approval of TLP Administrator, by the most economical means. Requests for payment are to be submitted by the vendor. If foster parent must provide transportation, reimbursement may be made in accordance with DCMS and DCFS Travel Regulations.


w) TLP Travel Reimbursement - Volunteer

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2024 TLP Youth Reimbursement - Volunteer                                                CFS 1042

Instructions: Volunteers working with TLP youth may be reimbursed for travel related to their training costs and direct service to youth. Reimbursement for the cost of travel shall be in accordance with the Department of Central Management Services (DCMS) and DCFS travel regulations. Reimbursement for travel time and travel costs shall be part of the contract. Reimbursement will be made for reasonable amounts spent for bus fare, or taxi fare where no bus transportation is available. Life skills instructors using their own cars for transportation shall have a driver's license and proof of public liability coverage and property damage in their insurance policies. Proof of this shall be available in the regional contract file. Recommended coverage is $100,000 each person, $300,000 each accident, and $35,000 for property damage or the minimum required by law. Travel reimbursement may be made in accordance with DCMS and DCFS Travel Regulations.


x) TLP Youth Activity Fees

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2025 TLP Youth Activity Fees                                                                       CFS 932

Instructions: With prior approval and a request from a youth, payment for recreation admissions, entertainment tickets, or other cultural enrichment activities may be made at the prevailing rate.


y) TLP Youth Membership Fees

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2026 TLP Youth Membership Fees                                                                CFS 932

Instructions: Includes Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, YMCA and other like groups. This may also cover cost of swimming passes and required supplies.


z) TLP Youth Retreats

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2027 TLP Youth Retreat                                                                                CFS 932

Instructions: Payments may be made for youth to travel to attend retreats or youth clubs. Contracts for retreats or youth clubs should specify the program to be offered and should include transportation, meals, and lodging for participants, as negotiated by the contract. Travel expenses shall be in accordance with DCMS and DCFS Travel Regulations.


aa) TLP Camp Fees

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2028 TLP Camp Fees and Supplies                                                                CFS 932 or 1042

Instructions: May be authorized for youth in transitional living when such is seen as essential for the child's social development. Camp includes day camp. Payment may be made for camp supplies for activities that are not included in camp fee. See Appendix A (III) (b) for maximum amounts per year per child for camp fees and maximum amounts per year for camp supplies.


bb) TLP Youth Handbooks

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2029 TLP Youth Handbooks                                                                           CFS 932

Instructions: Payment may be made for supplies, photographs, document reproduction, and other expenses related to the completion of a life handbook for a youth. Must have receipted expenses for reimbursement.


cc) TLP Work Clothes and Supplies

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2030 TLP Work Clothes and Supplies                                                            CFS 932

Instructions: The need for work clothing and/or supplies must be documented by written recommendation from the caseworker. Purchase Authorizations must be accompanied by the list of required items. Only items required for work should be purchased. See Appendix A (III) (b) for amounts.


dd) TLP Future Use Services

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2031 TLP Future Use Services                                                                      CFS 1042

Instructions: Case management services may be purchased for individual youth from private agencies or organizations pursuant to a contract which details the case management service and expenses to be covered, as negotiated by the contract.


ee) TLP Future Use

 

Type Service Code                                                                                 Document

2032 TLP Future Use                                                                                      CFS 1042

Instructions: Case management services may be purchased for individual youth from qualified individuals pursuant to a contract that details the case management services and expenses to be covered, as negotiated by the contract.

Rule and Procedure Table of Contents