18 Miss. Code. R. 6-1-F-VIII
Resource Families will be encouraged to consult a certified public accountant of their choice for guidance regarding claims on foster children residing in their home. DFCS staff shall not offer tax advice.
Resource Families will be encouraged to consult an insurance agent of their choice for guidance regarding claims on foster children residing in their home. DFCS staff shall not offer insurance advice.
Court ordered home studies will be referred to the Resource ASWS to assign for handling.
The Resource ASWS will notify the court and/or applicants of DFCS' fee for court ordered home studies. This uniform letter to award home study fees (See Appendix T) and court order to award home study fees may be utilized.
The requested fee is $650 to cover the cost of the home study and fingerprinting. Checks should be made payable to the Treasurer, State of Mississippi, and sent directly to the Resource ASWS prior to the home study being assigned or initiated.
When a request for a home study is made by a court, other than youth court, or private attorney, the requesting party should be informed that the request must contain the home study fee before the home study can be completed.
Once payment is received, the Resource ASWS, shall forward the payment to DFCS Administration and Finance, 750 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi, 39202. The completed home study summary will be submitted to the Resource ASWS for review prior to submission to the court. If the court waives the fee, the Licensure Specialist and/or Resource ASWS shall notify the court of the cost of the fingerprinting fee charged to DFCS.
When a previously licensed Resource Family decides to reapply, the following procedure should be followed:
Resource Home closed for less than one year
The Licensure Specialist must update the home study in MACWIS including a description of the reason the resource home was closed as well as reasons why the family decided to reapply. The updated home study should include details of any changes made to the home and/or changes in household members. The following documents must be secured for the re-opening of the resource home:
The Re-open Resource button can be found on the Resource Directory screen. This button is available only to the Resource ASWS. It only enables with an inactive resource home highlighted. When clicked, it changes the status of the resource home to expired. The resource home is assigned to the Resource Worker for the county. Then the Resource Reassignment icon is enabled so the Resource ASWS can reassign the resource home to another worker if necessary. The worker is then able to complete a Reevaluation to create a current license. The License Start Date should be entered and then the License End Date will calculate out one year from the Start Date.
If the home has been inactive for more than one year a new Resource Inquiry should be entered instead of opening the inactive resource.
Resource Home closed for over one year but less than three years
The Licensure Specialist must create a new resource inquiry in MACWIS and update the home study including a description of the reason the resource home was closed as well as reasons why the family decided to reapply. The updated home study should include details of any changes made to the home and/or changes in household members. The following documents must be secured for the re-opening of the resource home:
Resource Home closed over 3 years
When a resource home has been closed over 3 years and the family wishes to re-license their home, the family will have to repeat the initial licensing process; including orientation and pre-service training. All initial documentation must be completed for consideration in re-licensing.
18 Miss. Code. R. 6-1-F-VIII