Q of the W: Credit Reports for Non-Minor Dependents

Q: I’m working with a Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) that is experiencing identity theft. I thought requirements were in place to prevent this type of thing from happening. Do NMDs receive assistance with checking their credit histories and addressing identity theft?

A: Yes, Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) may receive assistance from their county social worker or probation officer with checking their credit histories and addressing identity theft, however because NMDs are adults who have the choice to request their credit reports just as any other adult can under federal law, the assistance they receive is at the discretion.

County agencies are required to inform NMDs of the advisability of requesting credit reports and provide annual assistance in doing so if the NMD desires. Specifically, the social worker or probation officer must ensure the NMD receives assistance in requesting and reviewing the reports. If a NMD needs help requesting their credit reports, counties can obtain written permission from the NMD to request their credit reports on their behalf. County agencies must refer NMDs to appropriate resources to aid in clearing their credit reports of inaccuracies.

If a NMD does not request their credit reports on an annual basis, the social worker/probation officer is encouraged to continue to discuss, at monthly visits or other opportunities, the importance of checking one’s credit reports and maintaining good credit as part of a healthy financial management strategy.

Citation: California Department of Social Services, All County Information Notice I-47-19 (2019); All County Letter 14-23 (2014)

Funding for Homes Not Yet Approved as Resource Families

Q: Can a home that is not yet approved as a Resource Family provide foster care placement on an emergency basis and still receive funding for the placement?

A: Yes. Effective July 1, 2019, when a county places a child or non-minor dependent on an emergency or temporary basis or for a compelling reason with a relative or nonrelative extended family member prior to Resource Family Approval (RFA), that emergency caregiver will receive a payment equivalent to the basic level rate, which is $1,000 for Fiscal Year 2019-20. The emergency caregiver funding is first provided on the date of placement and is funded through either the Emergency Assistance (EA) Program or, for children who are determined to be ineligible for the EA Program, through a combination of state and county funding.

Extended family members of an Indian child pending approval as a Tribally Approved Home are also eligible if the child or youth is placed on an emergency or temporary basis, however not when placed for a compelling reason.

Citation:

California Department of Social Services. All County Letter 19-84 (September 4, 2019). https://gallery.mailchimp.com/73901133dd7ea1a5581344daf/files/86bfa1e9-cfcb-40c3-9fc7-9e9899310730/19_84_ES.pdf

California Welfare & Institutions Code § 309, 361.45 & 16519.5