Vol. 2, No. 2 • Spring 1998

Foster Parents Ask DSS
Responses by Joan MacAllister

Question: If we plan a vacation trip out-of-county, out-of-state, or even out-of-country, and would like to take our foster child along, what steps should we take to do so? Would DSS need an itinerary? What if the child becomes sick or injured while away and requires medical attention? Is the consent of the biological parents required? Of DSS?

Response: According to the foster parent agreement, the DSS must give permission whenever the child will be out of his or her foster home placement for a period exceeding two nights. Some counties require notification at any point that the child is accompanying the family on vacations regardless of where they are going. Foster parents should ask their county DSS for specific procedures and policies.

In the event of a medical emergency, Medicaid will cover the child if the health care provider is or becomes a registered health care provider for North Carolina. The health care provider may or may not decide to do this. Since hospitals are more likely to either be interstate Medicaid providers or be willing to go through the approval process, the foster parent may want to seek treatment at a hospital first. If the facility is willing, they can treat the child and then apply to be a registered provider so they can be reimbursed.

If the foster family is unable to locate a health care provider willing to become a registered North Carolina provider, there are no State procedures to reimburse the foster parent for any medical expenses. It is recommended that this be negotiated with the North Carolina County DSS prior to traveling out of state in case an emergency occurs on the trip.

THIS IS NOT IN THE PRINT VERSION BUT SHOULD BE HERE ISSUE TO ISSUE ??
If you have questions for "Ask DSS" please send them to Fostering Perspective, c/o John McMahon, Jordan Institute for Families, UNC School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3550 or e-mail: [email protected].

Copyright � 2000 Jordan Institute for Families