# REFUGE HOUSE, INC.

| Procedure Information | Details |
| :---- | :---- |
| **PROCEDURE NAME** | Admission Screening Procedure |
| **PROCEDURE NUMBER** | FC1-01.1 |
| **RELATED POLICY** | FC1-01 Admission Screening Policy |
| **EFFECTIVE DATE** | 5/15/25 |
| **REVISION DATE** | 6/15/26 |
| **LAST UPDATED** | 5/15/2026 |
| **LAST APPROVED** | 5/22/2026 |

| APPLICABLE T3C PACKAGES: | APPLICABLE T3C ADD-ON SERVICES: |
| :---- | :---- |
| ☒ T3C Basic Foster Family Home | ☒ Transition Support Services for Youth & Young Adults |
| ☒ Substance Use Support Services | ☒ Kinship Caregiver Support Services |
| ☒ Short-Term Assessment | ☒ Pregnant & Parenting Youth or Young Adult |
| ☒ Mental & Behavioral Health |  |
| ☐ Sexual Aggression/Sex Offender |  |
| ☐ Complex Medical Needs or Medically Fragile |  |
| ☐ Human Trafficking Victim/Survivor |  |
| ☒ Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD)/Autism Spectrum Disorder |  |
| ☒ T3C Treatment Foster Family Care |  |

## PURPOSE:

To establish a standardized process for screening child and youth referrals to determine appropriateness for placement within Refuge House's foster care program while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and incorporating trauma-informed principles.

## RESPONSIBILITY:

- Intake Department
- Case Managers
- Treatment Director (when applicable)
- Program Director/CPMS

## PROCEDURE:

### 1. INITIAL SCREENING EVALUATION

**Purpose and Overview**

The initial screening process serves as the critical first step in ensuring children are matched with appropriate foster homes that can meet their needs. As our policy states, "Refuge House evaluates all children and youth referrals immediately upon receipt to determine appropriateness for services and placement." This immediate response is particularly crucial for emergency placements where children need safe placement without delay. The screening criteria ensure we can provide appropriate care within our credentialed T3C Service Packages while maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements.

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | 1. Receive referral via phone or email from DFPS/SSCC 2. Open Initial Intake Information Form in Radius 3. Document referral source and contact information 4. Note whether Emergency or Routine placement | **Immediately upon receipt** | Phone/Email Radius | **CRITICAL: TAC §749.1101** FC 1.01a; DFPS 24-Hr RCC Requirements (FY26) |
| Intake Department | Evaluate initial screening criteria: 1. **Age** - Verify appropriate foster home availability 2. **Gender** - Confirm appropriate placement options 3. **T3C Service Package** - Ensure RH can accommodate 4. **Level of Care** - Assess ability to serve in least restrictive setting | Within initial contact | Radius screening tool | TAC §749.1101 §749.1103 §749.1105 DFPS 24-Hr RCC Requirements (FY26) |
| Intake Department | Prioritize referral processing: 1. **Emergency referrals** - Process immediately 2. **Routine referrals** - Review in order received 3. Document priority status in tracking log | Immediate determination | Radius | **CRITICAL: TAC §749.1101** FC 1.01c |

### 2. DETAILED ASSESSMENT AND MATCHING

**Purpose and Overview**

Once initial criteria are met, the detailed assessment begins to ensure the best possible match between child and foster family. This stage incorporates our commitment to trauma-informed care by gathering comprehensive information about the child's history, needs, and strengths. The information collected here directly impacts placement success, as matching a child with the right foster family from the beginning is one of the most effective ways to minimize trauma and promote healing. Special attention is given to children who have experienced multiple placements, recognizing that these children require additional support and careful matching.

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | Complete Initial Intake Information Form evaluating: 1. **Referral Information:** - Date/time of referral - Routine vs. emergency status - Reason for emergency (if applicable) 2. **Child's Identifying Information:** - Race, religion, ethnicity - Tribal affiliation (refer to ICWA policy if applicable) - Language and cultural needs | During initial screening call | Radius - Initial Intake Form | TAC §749.1107 §749.1101 FC 1.01 |
| Intake Department | 3. **Placement Information:** - Current placement status - Number of previous placements - Permanency plan - Estimated length of stay 4. **Medical Information:** - Chronic conditions/allergies - Current medications - Medicaid status | During screening | Radius | TAC §749.1107 FC 1.01c |
| Intake Department | 5. **Psychological/Psychiatric Information:** - Current diagnoses - Recent evaluations - Special needs 6. **Educational/Developmental:** - Current school/grade - Special education needs - Birth/developmental history | During screening | Radius | TAC §749.1107 |
| Intake Department | 7. **Behavioral Assessment:** - **HIGH RISK BEHAVIORS** (harm to self/others) - Known contraindications to restraints - Ability to participate safely in family/community - Need for heightened supervision 8. **Family Information:** - Sibling placement needs - Visitation requirements - Family engagement status | During screening | Radius | TAC §749.1107 BSM Policy |
| Intake Department | 9. **Required Assessments & Forms:** - CANS 3.0 Assessment (routine referrals, age 3+) - **Attachment A – Child Sexual History Report** - **Form 2279 – Child Placement Summary** | During screening / at placement | Radius | TAC §749.1107; FC 1.01b |

### 3. SERVICE PACKAGE DETERMINATION

**Purpose and Overview**

Accurate Service Package determination ensures children receive appropriate level of care from placement. This section guides identification of the correct Service Package based on child's presenting needs and eligibility criteria. Package-specific screening requirements are detailed in Sections 4 (Basic and Mental Health/IDD), 5 (Add-On Services), and **Section 6 (Specialized Packages: Substance Use, Short-Term Assessment, Treatment Foster Family Care)**.

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | Determine appropriate Service Package based on referral information: 1. **T3C Basic Foster Family Home** - Standard foster care needs 2. **Mental & Behavioral Health** - DSM-5 diagnosis requiring specialized support 3. **IDD/Autism** - Developmental disability requiring specialized support 4. **Substance Use** - Substance use disorder or risk (see Section 6.1) 5. **Short-Term Assessment** - Assessment needed to determine package (see Section 6.2) 6. **Treatment Foster Family Care** - Highest clinical intensity (see Section 6.3) | During screening | Radius | T3C Blueprint |
| Intake Department | For specialized packages requiring clinical review (Substance Use, Treatment Foster Family Care): Forward to Treatment Director for eligibility determination | Immediately after initial screening | Treatment Director notification | T3C Blueprint |

### 4. SPECIALIZED CLINICAL PACKAGE SCREENING

**Purpose and Overview**

Certain Service Packages require Treatment Director clinical review to verify eligibility criteria are met. This section establishes the screening process for Mental & Behavioral Health, IDD/Autism, Substance Use, and Treatment Foster Family Care packages.

#### 4.1 Mental & Behavioral Health Support Services Screening

**Cross-Reference:** Full admission requirements in **FC-MH-01 Mental & Behavioral Health Support Services Policy**

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | Screen for Mental Health package indicators: 1. DSM-5 diagnosis documented 2. Mental health treatment history 3. Current therapeutic needs 4. Behavioral support requirements | During screening | Radius | T3C Blueprint p.76-86 |
| Treatment Director | Review and confirm clinical eligibility: 1. Verify DSM-5 diagnosis 2. Assess appropriateness for foster home setting 3. Approve or recommend alternative package | Within 4 hours of referral | Clinical documentation | T3C Blueprint p.84 |
| Intake Department | **Foster Home Verification:** 1. Verify available Mental & Behavioral Health credentialed homes 2. Confirm foster family completed the required **4-hour specialized mental health support training** 3. Confirm 24/7 case manager availability for crisis response 4. Match based on the child's therapeutic needs | After Treatment Director approval | Home matching system | T3C Blueprint p.76-86 |

#### 4.2 IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services Screening

**Cross-Reference:** Full admission requirements in **FC-IDD-01 IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services Policy**

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | Screen for IDD/Autism package indicators: 1. IDD or Autism diagnosis documented 2. Adaptive functioning assessment available 3. Developmental support needs 4. Communication and sensory needs | During screening | Radius | T3C Blueprint p.123-135 |
| Treatment Director | Review and confirm clinical eligibility: 1. Verify qualifying diagnosis 2. Assess support needs 3. Confirm foster home can meet needs 4. Approve or recommend alternative | Within 4 hours of referral | Clinical documentation | T3C Blueprint p.133 |
| Intake Department | **Foster Home Verification:** 1. Verify available IDD/Autism credentialed homes 2. Confirm foster family completed the required **6-hour specialized IDD/autism support training** 3. Confirm access to Registered Nurse consultation 4. Confirm commitment to **6-month aftercare services** 5. Match based on the child's developmental needs | After Treatment Director approval | Home matching system | T3C Blueprint p.123-135 |

### 5. ADD-ON SERVICE SCREENING

**Purpose and Overview**

When children qualify for T3C add-on services, additional screening ensures we identify foster homes equipped to meet these specialized needs. Each add-on service brings unique requirements and opportunities, from supporting youth transitioning to adulthood to maintaining critical family connections through kinship care.

**Note:** Add-On Services are NOT eligible for Short-Term Assessment package.

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | **Transition Support Services (14+):** 1. Assess need for independent living support 2. Identify homes with teen experience 3. Verify transportation for employment/education 4. Consider proximity to transition resources 5. Match with families supporting autonomy | During screening/matching | Radius | T3C Blueprint TAC §749.1101 |
| Intake Department | **Kinship Caregiver Services:** 1. Verify kinship caregiver through RH 2. Assess existing relationship dynamics 3. Identify additional support needs 4. Ensure licensing requirements met 5. Plan for family preservation | During screening/matching | Radius | T3C Blueprint FC 1.01 |
| Intake Department | **Pregnant & Parenting Youth:** 1. Identify homes with infant capacity 2. Assess parenting support capabilities 3. Verify space for parent and child 4. Consider access to pediatric care 5. Match with experienced parent mentors | During screening/matching | Radius | T3C Blueprint TAC §749.1103 |

---

### 6. SPECIALIZED PACKAGE SCREENING: SUBSTANCE USE, SHORT-TERM ASSESSMENT, AND TREATMENT FOSTER FAMILY CARE

**Purpose and Overview**

This section establishes screening procedures for three specialized Service Packages that have unique eligibility criteria and capacity requirements. Each requires specific verification before placement can proceed.

---

#### 6.1 SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT SERVICES SCREENING

**Cross-Reference:** Full admission requirements in **FC-SU-01 Substance Use Support Services Policy**

**Purpose:** Screen children for eligibility for Substance Use Support Services and verify appropriate foster home availability.

**Eligibility Criteria:** Child presents with:
- DSM-5 diagnosis of substance-related and/or addictive disorder; OR
- Documented history of problematic substance use requiring specialized monitoring; OR
- Significant risk factors for developing substance use disorder

**Exclusions:** Children requiring inpatient detoxification or residential substance use treatment are not appropriate until medically stable for community-based care.

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | Screen for Substance Use package indicators: 1. Identify substance use history in referral 2. Document substances used, frequency, last use 3. Note any current withdrawal concerns 4. Identify substance use treatment history 5. Flag for Treatment Director review | During initial screening | Radius - Substance Use Screening section | T3C Blueprint; FC-SU-01 |
| Treatment Director | **Clinical Eligibility Review:** 1. Review substance use history documentation 2. Verify child meets eligibility criteria (DSM-5 diagnosis OR documented history OR significant risk) 3. **Assess medical stability** - Confirm child is stable for community-based care (not requiring detox) 4. Document clinical appropriateness 5. Approve package or recommend alternative | Within 4 hours of screening | Treatment Director Clinical Review Form | T3C Blueprint; FC-SU-01 |
| Intake Department | **Foster Home Verification:** 1. Verify available Substance Use credentialed homes 2. Confirm foster family completed 4-hour substance abuse awareness training 3. Verify home maintains substance-free environment 4. Match based on youth's specific recovery needs | After Treatment Director approval | Home matching system | T3C Blueprint; FC-SU-01 |

---

#### 6.2 SHORT-TERM ASSESSMENT SUPPORT SERVICES SCREENING

**Cross-Reference:** Full admission requirements in **FC-STASS-01 Short-Term Assessment Support Services Policy**

**Purpose:** Screen children for eligibility for time-limited assessment placement to determine appropriate ongoing Service Package.

**Eligibility Criteria:** Child presents as ONE of the following:
1. **New to care** - Newly entering foster care, needs assessment to determine Service Package
2. **Transitioning from unpaid placement** - Moving from kinship/unpaid arrangement, needs evaluation
3. **Returning after unauthorized absence** - Returning after runaway, requires reassessment
4. **Post-disruption** - Recent unplanned placement disruption, needs evaluation before new placement

**Capacity Limitation:** Maximum **4 children** per foster home (unless sibling group)

**Time Limits:**
- Age 5 and under: 30 days (+ one 15-day extension)
- Over age 5: 45 days (+ one 15-day extension)

**CRITICAL:** Add-On Services are **NOT eligible** for this package.

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | Screen for Short-Term Assessment eligibility: 1. Verify child meets ONE of four eligibility categories: - New to care requiring assessment - Transitioning from unpaid placement - Returning after unauthorized absence - Post-disruption requiring evaluation 2. Confirm child needs assessment to determine appropriate Service Package 3. **Verify NO Add-On Services needed** (not eligible for this package) 4. Document eligibility category | During initial screening | Radius - Short-Term Assessment Screening section | T3C Blueprint p.67-75; FC-STASS-01 |
| Program Director | **Approval Review (if needed for complex cases):** 1. Review eligibility determination 2. Confirm assessment approach appropriate 3. Approve or redirect to alternative package | Within 4 hours if escalated | Program Director review | T3C Blueprint p.74-75 |
| Intake Department | **Foster Home Verification:** 1. Verify available Short-Term Assessment credentialed homes 2. **Confirm home capacity** - Maximum 4 children (unless sibling group) 3. Verify foster family completed assessment observation training 4. Match based on child's presenting needs | After eligibility confirmed | Home matching system | T3C Blueprint p.75; FC-STASS-01 |

---

#### 6.3 T3C TREATMENT FOSTER FAMILY CARE SUPPORT SERVICES SCREENING

**Cross-Reference:** Full admission requirements in **FC-TFFC-01 T3C Treatment Foster Family Care Support Services Policy**

**Purpose:** Screen children for eligibility for highest level of clinical intervention in a family setting.

**Legal Framework:** Services adhere to Texas Family Code Section 264.1073 and Texas Administrative Code Rule §700.1335.

**Eligibility Criteria:** Child must have:
- **Primary:** DSM-5 diagnosis for emotional, conduct, or behavioral disorder

**PLUS Two or More of the Following:**
- Major self-injurious actions, including suicide attempt within last 12 months
- Difficulties presenting significant risk of harm to others, including frequent or unpredictable physical aggression
- Additional DSM-5 diagnosis of substance-related and/or addictive disorder with severe impairment

**Capacity Limitation:** Maximum **2 children** per foster home (due to intensity of services)

**Time Limits:** Maximum 365 days (274 days standard + 91-day extension)

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | Screen for Treatment Foster Family Care indicators: 1. Identify DSM-5 diagnosis in referral documentation 2. Screen for additional criteria: - Suicide attempt within 12 months - Risk of harm to others/physical aggression - Co-occurring substance disorder with severe impairment 3. Document clinical indicators present 4. **Immediately forward to Treatment Director** for clinical review | During initial screening | Radius - Treatment Foster Care Screening section | T3C Blueprint p.141-142; FC-TFFC-01 |
| Treatment Director | **REQUIRED Clinical Eligibility Review:** 1. Review clinical documentation thoroughly 2. **Verify DSM-5 diagnosis** for emotional, conduct, or behavioral disorder 3. **Confirm 2+ additional criteria met:** - Suicide attempt within 12 months? - Risk of harm to others? - Co-occurring substance disorder with severe impairment? 4. Assess appropriateness for family setting (vs. residential) 5. Document clinical determination 6. Approve package or recommend alternative | **Within 4 hours of screening** | Treatment Director Clinical Review Form | **CRITICAL: T3C Blueprint p.141-142**; Texas Family Code §264.1073; TAC §700.1335 |
| Intake Department | **Foster Home Verification:** 1. Verify available homes with **DUAL credentials** (Treatment Foster Care AND Basic Foster Home) 2. **Confirm home capacity** - Maximum 2 children 3. Verify foster family completed 20-hour Treatment Foster Care training 4. Assess home's ability to manage high-acuity behaviors 5. Match based on child's specific clinical needs | After Treatment Director approval | Home matching system | T3C Blueprint p.143; FC-TFFC-01 |

---

### 7. PLACEMENT COORDINATION

**Purpose and Overview**

Following successful screening and matching, placement coordination ensures smooth transition into the foster home.

**Note:** Refuge House does not make placement decisions on behalf of foster families. Intake provides all known information to each interested family so the family can make the most appropriate placement decision.

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | For families willing to accept placement: 1. Confirm availability and readiness 2. Review any special requirements 3. Discuss transition planning 4. Note family's commitment in record | Following family consultation | Radius | TAC §749.1115 FC 6.02 |
| Intake Department | Present placement options to DFPS/SSCC: 1. Provide viable family matches 2. Include relevant family information 3. Note any special considerations 4. Await CPU approval If no matches available: 1. Immediately notify CPU 2. Document efforts made 3. Provide recommendations | After family confirmations | Phone/Email to CPU | FC 1.02 Contract Requirements |
| Intake Department | Upon CPU approval: 1. Document approval and case worker info 2. Exchange contact information 3. Coordinate placement logistics 4. Set placement date/time 5. Arrange pre-placement visit if possible | Immediately after approval | Radius | TAC §749.1107 FC 1.02 |
| Intake Department | Complete documentation: 1. Finalize Initial Intake Form 2. Attach all communications 3. Update placement tracking log 4. Mark intake as "closed" 5. Transition to Admission Assessment team — begin the Admission Assessment and initiate service referrals as needed (ECI, psychological, psychiatric, CANS, medical) | Within 30 minutes of confirmation | Radius | **CRITICAL: FC 1.01d** FC 1.02 |

### 8. QUALITY ASSURANCE

**Purpose and Overview**

Quality assurance in the screening process ensures consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement.

| Who | How | When | Where | Regulatory Reference |
| :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- | :---- |
| Intake Department | Screening timeframes: 1. Complete all steps within **20-30 minutes** when possible 2. Document any delays and reasons 3. Prioritize emergency placements 4. Maintain efficiency without sacrificing quality | Per screening | Radius | TAC §749.1101 FC 1.01 |
| Intake Department | **Response and documentation timelines:** 1. Provide the placement decision to DFPS/SSCC within **two hours of referral during business hours** or **four hours during non-business hours** 2. Communicate any additional information needs to DFPS/SSCC immediately 3. Document all screening activities in the child's electronic record **within 24 hours** | Per referral | Radius / Phone / Email | RCC (FY26) §1111; FC 1.01 |
| Treatment Director/CPMS | For children with multiple placements: 1. Flag for enhanced review 2. Consult on placement matching 3. Recommend additional supports 4. Plan transition strategies 5. Coordinate with clinical team | As identified | Clinical review | FC 6.06 FC 6.07 TAC §749.1101 |
| Program Director | Monthly screening review: 1. Analyze screening data by Service Package 2. Identify placement trends 3. Review "no match" situations 4. Recommend training needs 5. Update procedures as needed | Monthly | Reports | COA Standards CQI Requirements |

## SSCC-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

**SSCC-2INGAGE — addition start** *(provider-specific requirements; remove this block if the 2INgage contract ends)*

For children placed through **2INgage**:

- **Placement-response timeframes.** Refuge House communicates family acceptance or non-acceptance **within 15 minutes** of notification for emergency placements and **within one hour** for non-emergency placements, and is responsible for the physical placement of the child(ren) 24/7/365. The case manager (or designee) and the caregiver are both present to receive the child at the time of placement. This 2INgage timeframe is stricter than any general acceptance window stated elsewhere in this procedure; the strictest applicable timeframe controls. *(2INgage Provider Manual Rev. 1.2026 §4, p.16)*
- **Remedial Order 28 signatures.** At placement, Refuge House reviews Forms 2279/2279b and Attachment A with the caregiver and obtains required signatures; if the foster parents are not present, signatures are obtained within **3 business days**. *(2INgage Provider Manual Rev. 1.2026 §4, p.17)*
- **Emergency placement documentation.** For an emergency placement, signed placement documents are provided to 2INgage **by the next business day** (including Forms 2085b, 2085e, 2530, 1509, Attachment A, and 2279). *(2INgage Provider Manual Rev. 1.2026 §4, p.18)*

**SSCC-2INGAGE — addition end**

**SSCC-EMPOWER — addition start** *(provider-specific; remove this block if the EMPOWER contract ends)*

For children placed through **EMPOWER**: family acceptance/non-acceptance is communicated **within 15 minutes** (emergency) or **within one hour** (non-emergency) of notification, with the case manager/designee and caregiver both present at placement and 24/7/365 responsibility for physical placement *(EMPOWER Provider Manual Rev. 1.2026 §4, pp.18–19)*; Remedial Order 28 forms (2279/2279b and Attachment A) are reviewed and signed at placement, or within **3 business days** (electronically) if foster parents are absent *(EMPOWER Provider Manual Rev. 1.2026 §4, pp.19–20)*; signed emergency-placement documents are submitted to EMPOWER **the next business day** *(EMPOWER Provider Manual Rev. 1.2026 §4, pp.20–21)*. The strictest applicable timeframe controls.

**SSCC-EMPOWER — addition end**

**SSCC-OCOK — addition start** *(provider-specific; remove this block if the OCOK contract ends)*

For **OCOK** placements, the Provider case manager and caregiver are both present to receive the child at placement (if the case manager cannot attend, the OCOK Permanency Specialist or designee does); for emergency placements, approval is assumed if a denial is not received within **one hour** of the referral *(OCOK Network Management Operations Manual Rev. 7-1-2025 §5.04, pp.114–115)*.

**SSCC-OCOK — addition end**

**SSCC-BELONG — addition start** *(provider-specific; remove this block if the Belong contract ends)*

For **Belong** placements, family acceptance is communicated within **one (1) hour** (emergency) or **two (2) business days** (non-emergency) of notification, and Belong staff, the Provider case manager, and the caregiver are all present to receive the child at placement *(Belong Stage I & II Provider Manual, p.10)*. Each child/youth is given a written copy of the CPS Rights of Children and Youth in Foster Care at placement **and at every placement change** *(Belong Provider Services Agreement §4.27)*.

**SSCC-BELONG — addition end**

**SSCC-STFRANCIS — addition start** *(provider-specific; based on the publicly-sourced July-2020 SFCS manual — confirm against the current SFCS manual; remove this block if the SFCS contract ends)*

For **SFCS** placements, Refuge House responds with acceptance/non-acceptance within **one (1) hour** (emergency) or **two (2) business days** (non-emergency), with the Provider case manager/designee and caregiver present to receive the child at placement *(SFCS Placement Provider Manual, July 2020 §§2.1.2–2.1.3, 2.6)*. The completed 2085-series and Form 2279 must be received **before or at acceptance of the placement** (RCC §§1510–1520 — only Form 2087/2087ex may follow an emergency admission); where SFCS delivers consolidated packets later *(§2.6, p.17 describes ~30–45 days)*, follow up until received and document each request — the SFCS practice does not modify the DFPS contract condition.

**SSCC-STFRANCIS — addition end**

## REGULATORY REFERENCES:

- T3C Blueprint: FC 1.01, FC 1.02; Pages 67-75 (Short-Term Assessment); Pages 76-86 (Mental Health); Pages 123-135 (IDD/Autism); Pages 136-147 (Treatment Foster Family Care)
- Texas Family Code Section 264.1073 (Treatment Foster Family Care)
- Texas Administrative Code Rule §700.1335 (Treatment Foster Family Care)
- TAC §749.1101 (who may I admit — eligibility), §749.1103 / §749.1105 (young-adult admission), §749.1107 (information documented at the time of admission), §749.1115 (information provided to caregivers)
- DFPS 24-Hour RCC Requirements (FY26) §§1111 (placement-request response), 1510–1520 (placement forms)
- SSCC Contract: (if applicable)
- SSCC Provider Manuals: 4Kids4Families, OCOK, Saint Francis, Belong, 2INgage, EMPOWER
- RH source references: Caregiver Manual; Case Specialist Handbook; Compliance Hub; Policy & Procedure Manual
- ICWA: 25 U.S.C. §1915
- BSM Policy: 2.04, 2.05

**SSCC alignment (FY-26):** 2INgage Provider Manual Rev. 1.2026 — §4 Assessing, Conducting and Managing Placements (pp.16–18). Cross-reference: FC-CQI-01 Continuous Quality Improvement Policy; FY-26 SSCC coverage tracker (`temporary-reference/fy26-sscc-joint-monitoring/sscc-alignment/`).

**SSCC alignment (FY-26) — EMPOWER:** EMPOWER Provider Manual Rev. 1.2026 — §4 Assessing, Conducting and Managing Placements (pp.18–21). Cross-reference: FC-CQI-01 Continuous Quality Improvement Policy; FY-26 SSCC variance matrix.

**SSCC alignment (FY-26) — OCOK:** OCOK Network Management Operations Manual Rev. 7-1-2025 — §5.04 (pp.114–115 present-at-placement). Cross-reference: FC-CQI-01 Continuous Quality Improvement Policy; FY-26 SSCC variance matrix.

**SSCC alignment (FY-26) — 4Kids:** 4Kids4Families Joint Operations Manual (Dec 2025) / Subcontractor Agreement — reviewed; aligned (4Kids items here are casework/Minimum-Standards-level), no additional provider-specific provisions required in this document. Cross-reference: FC-CQI-01 Continuous Quality Improvement Policy; FY-26 SSCC variance matrix.

**SSCC alignment (FY-26) — Belong:** Belong Stage I & II Provider Manual (Aug 2025) / Provider Services Agreement — p.10 response/present; Agreement §4.27 Rights of Children. Cross-reference: FC-CQI-01 Continuous Quality Improvement Policy; FY-26 SSCC variance matrix.

**SSCC alignment (FY-26) — SFCS:** SFCS Placement Provider Manual (July 2020, publicly-sourced — currency unconfirmed) / 2019 Affiliate Provider Agreement — Manual §§2.1.2–2.1.3, 2.6 (response/present/docs). Confirm against the current SFCS provider manual. Cross-reference: FC-CQI-01 Continuous Quality Improvement Policy; FY-26 SSCC variance matrix.

## RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

- FC1-01 Admission Screening Policy
- FC2-01.1 Admission Assessment Procedure
- FC6-01 Admission Matching & Criteria Policy
- FC-MH-01 Mental & Behavioral Health Support Services Policy
- FC-IDD-01 IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services Policy
- **FC-SU-01 Substance Use Support Services Policy**
- **FC-STASS-01 Short-Term Assessment Support Services Policy**
- **FC-TFFC-01 T3C Treatment Foster Family Care Support Services Policy**
- RH ICWA Services Policy
- RH BSM Policy Manual

## FORMS/ATTACHMENTS:

- Initial Intake Information Form
- RH Individual Crisis Management Screening Tool
- Trauma-Informed Intake Supplement
- Placement Tracking Log
- ICWA Placement Preference Documentation
- Mental & Behavioral Health Screening Checklist
- IDD/Autism Support Services Screening Tool
- **Substance Use Screening Tool**
- **Short-Term Assessment Eligibility Checklist**
- **Treatment Foster Family Care Clinical Review Form**

---

*This procedure document operationalizes the principles established in FC1-01 Admission Screening Policy by providing specific implementation details (who, when, where, and how). While policies require Board approval and remain relatively stable, procedures may be updated by the Executive Director to adapt to regulatory changes, technological advancements, or operational improvements without requiring Board approval, provided such changes maintain alignment with the policy's intent.*