FOSTER FAMILY RE-ASSESSMENT AND RE-CREDENTIALING PLAN
Process, Requirements, and Frequency for T3C Service Packages and Add-On Services
Organization: Refuge House, Inc.
Effective Date: Upon Active Interim Credential
Document Version: 1.1 (May 2026 — extended to cover Substance Use, Short-Term Assessment, and T3C Treatment Foster Family Care Service Packages)
Implementation Timeline: 6 months (Inactive Interim Credential period)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This plan establishes comprehensive procedures for re-assessing and re-credentialing foster family homes for T3C Service Packages and Add-On Services. The plan ensures ongoing compliance with T3C Blueprint requirements, TAC Chapter 749 regulations, and maintains the highest quality of care for children in placement.
Key Components:
- Annual re-credentialing for all service packages
- Service package-specific assessments
- Enhanced reviews for specialized packages
- Quality assurance integration
- Documentation requirements
I. REGULATORY FOUNDATION
A. Applicable Regulations
- T3C System Blueprint (April 2026) - Service package credentialing requirements
- TAC §749.1385 - Foster family home re-evaluation requirements
- TAC §749.1387 - Annual re-evaluation procedures
- RCC Contract Requirements - Quality assurance standards
- SSCC Contract Requirements - Continued credentialing expectations
B. Purpose of Re-Credentialing
Foster family home re-credentialing ensures:
- Continued capability to provide specialized services
- Ongoing compliance with service package requirements
- Quality assurance and continuous improvement
- Child safety and appropriate placement matching
- Foster parent support and development needs identification
II. RE-CREDENTIALING FREQUENCY BY SERVICE PACKAGE
A. T3C Basic Foster Family Home Support Services
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual
Timing: Within 12 months of initial credential date, then annually thereafter
Assessment Components:
- Home safety inspection per TAC §749.1385
- Foster parent training compliance verification (30 hours annually)
- TBRI® competency maintenance review
- Placement outcomes review
- Capacity assessment (number of children, ages, needs)
- Foster parent satisfaction and support needs
Documentation Required:
- Updated home study (if changes occurred)
- Training transcripts for past 12 months
- Background checks (per TAC requirements)
- Medical examinations (per TAC requirements)
- Child placement outcomes summary
- Foster parent self-assessment
B. Mental & Behavioral Health Support Services
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual
Timing: Within 12 months of initial MH credential date, then annually thereafter
Assessment Components (in addition to Basic):
- Enhanced TBRI® competency verification
- Crisis management skills assessment
- Therapeutic parenting capabilities review
- Collaboration with therapists and BSS/Mentors evaluation
- Mental health training compliance verification (initial 4 hours completed before first placement)
- Behavioral intervention effectiveness review
- Medication management competency (if applicable)
- Placement stability outcomes for MH cases
Annual Training Compliance Check:
- Verify 30 hours annual training completed
- Confirm mental health topics integrated within annual training (not additional hours)
- Psychotropic medication updates (2 hours annually - within 30-hour requirement)
- Crisis intervention refresher completed
- TBRI® application for mental health documented
Documentation Required:
- All Basic package documentation
- Initial 4-hour mental health training certificate (from before first MH placement)
- Annual training transcripts showing mental health topic integration
- Crisis intervention training verification
- Case manager evaluations of therapeutic parenting
- Therapist/BSS feedback on collaboration
- Behavioral incident reports review
- Child outcome data (CANS improvements, therapy progress)
Enhanced Review Elements:
- Treatment Director interview and assessment
- Review of placement outcomes for children with mental health diagnoses
- Evaluation of foster parent's ability to support weekly therapy
- Assessment of crisis management effectiveness
Critical Clarification: Mental health training topics are integrated into the standard 30-hour annual requirement, NOT additional hours on top of it.
C. IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual
Timing: Within 12 months of initial IDD/ASD credential date, then annually thereafter
Assessment Components (in addition to Basic):
- Communication support capabilities assessment
- Sensory accommodation implementation review
- Medical management competency (if applicable)
- Educational liaison effectiveness evaluation
- Adaptive behavior support skills
- IDD/Autism training compliance verification (initial 6 hours completed before first placement)
- Medical equipment management (if applicable)
- Collaboration with RN consultant review
Annual Training Compliance Check:
- Verify 30 hours annual training completed
- Confirm IDD/Autism topics integrated within annual training (not additional hours)
- Communication strategies updates documented
- Sensory processing refreshers completed
- TBRI® application for IDD/Autism documented
Documentation Required:
- All Basic package documentation
- Initial 6-hour IDD/Autism training certificate (from before first IDD/ASD placement)
- Annual training transcripts showing IDD/Autism topic integration
- Medical equipment competency verification (if applicable)
- Communication strategies implementation evidence
- Educational liaison activities documentation
- RN consultant collaboration records
- Child outcome data (developmental progress, adaptive behavior improvements)
- IEP participation records
Enhanced Review Elements:
- Treatment Director assessment of developmental support capabilities
- RN consultant evaluation of medical management (if applicable)
- Review of communication plan implementation
- Assessment of sensory accommodation effectiveness
- Evaluation of educational advocacy and IEP participation
Critical Clarification: IDD/Autism training topics are integrated into the standard 30-hour annual requirement, NOT additional hours on top of it.
D. Substance Use Support Services
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual
Timing: Within 12 months of initial SU credential date, then annually thereafter
Assessment Components (in addition to Basic):
- Recovery-supportive home environment maintenance (substance-free; secure medication/MAT storage)
- Non-punitive response philosophy demonstrated
- Crisis response readiness for overdose, severe withdrawal, and active intoxication
- Substance Use training compliance verification (initial 4 hours completed before first SU placement, per FC-16 Section 4.4)
- Drug screening protocol coordination (clinical, not punitive)
- Therapy and treatment engagement support (weekly minimum per FC-SU-01 §5.2)
- Collaboration with Licensed Therapists, MAT prescribers, and STAR Health network providers
- Placement stability outcomes for SU cases
Annual Training Compliance Check:
- Verify 30 hours annual training completed
- Confirm Substance Use topics integrated within annual training (not additional hours)
- Non-punitive relapse response refresher documented
- Overdose response and Narcan administration training (where applicable)
- TBRI® application for substance use recovery documented
Documentation Required:
- All Basic package documentation
- Initial 4-hour Substance Use training certificate (from before first SU placement)
- Annual training transcripts showing Substance Use topic integration
- Crisis intervention training verification (substance-specific)
- Drug screening coordination records
- Foster parent self-assessment on non-punitive response philosophy
- Child outcome data (recovery progress, MAT adherence, treatment engagement)
- Step-down case summaries (where applicable)
Enhanced Review Elements:
- Treatment Director assessment of recovery-supportive caregiving
- Review of placement outcomes for youth with substance use disorders
- Evaluation of foster parent's ability to support weekly therapy and MAT coordination
- Assessment of crisis response effectiveness for substance-related events
Critical Clarification: Substance Use training topics are integrated into the standard 30-hour annual requirement, NOT additional hours on top of it.
E. Short-Term Assessment Support Services
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual
Timing: Within 12 months of initial STASS credential date, then annually thereafter
Assessment Components (in addition to Basic):
- Multi-system navigation skill (STAR Health, HHSC Behavioral Health, ECI, education, child welfare)
- Enhanced logistical support and transportation capacity for assessment-intensive placements
- Daily observation and documentation effectiveness for behavioral patterns and intervention responses
- Service Package recommendation contribution (foster parent input quality)
- Time-limited placement transition support
- STASS training compliance verification (initial 4 hours completed before first STASS placement, per FC-16 Section 4.5)
- Educational assessment coordination
- 30/45-day timeline management and extension request processes
Annual Training Compliance Check:
- Verify 30 hours annual training completed
- Confirm STASS topics integrated within annual training (not additional hours)
- Assessment-period observation/documentation refresher documented
- Multi-system coordination updates documented
- TBRI® application during assessment periods documented
Documentation Required:
- All Basic package documentation
- Initial 4-hour STASS training certificate (from before first STASS placement)
- Annual training transcripts showing STASS topic integration
- Daily observation logs from prior placements (sample review)
- Multi-system coordination records
- Comprehensive Transition Summary contributions for prior placements
- Service Package recommendation contribution records
Enhanced Review Elements:
- Treatment Director assessment of assessment-period caregiving capacity
- Review of placement outcomes from prior STASS placements (timely Service Package recommendation, successful transition)
- Evaluation of foster parent's ability to manage assessment-intensive scheduling
- Assessment of multi-system navigation effectiveness
Critical Clarification: STASS training topics are integrated into the standard 30-hour annual requirement, NOT additional hours on top of it.
F. T3C Treatment Foster Family Care Support Services
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual
Timing: Within 12 months of initial TFFC credential date, then annually thereafter (in addition to enhanced 60-day Continued Stay Reviews per FC-TFFC-01 §8.1)
Assessment Components (in addition to Basic):
- Intensive therapeutic environment maintenance
- Multi-meeting-per-week capacity (treatment team, IEP, therapy, family meetings)
- 24/7 crisis response with on-call Licensed Therapist coordination
- Specialized Paid Intermittent Alternative Care Program engagement (where applicable per FC-TFFC-01 §7.4)
- Awake night supervision capability (where applicable per FC-TFFC-01 §7.5)
- TFFC training compliance verification (initial 6 hours completed before first TFFC placement, per FC-16 Section 4.6 and TAC §749.863(c))
- Family engagement throughout placement and aftercare per FC-TFFC-01 §5.5
- Step-down planning from Day 1 capacity per FC-TFFC-01 §4.4
Annual Training Compliance Check:
- Verify 30 hours annual training completed
- Confirm TFFC topics integrated within annual training (not additional hours)
- TBRI®-informed therapeutic activities refresher documented
- Crisis intervention with treatment team coordination refresher documented
- Step-down readiness assessment refresher documented
Documentation Required:
- All Basic package documentation
- Initial 6-hour TFFC training certificate (from before first TFFC placement, per FC-16 Section 4.6 and TAC §749.863(c))
- Annual training transcripts showing TFFC topic integration
- Multi-meeting attendance records
- Treatment team collaboration records
- Family engagement effort documentation (per FC-TFFC-01 §5.5)
- Child outcome data (CANS improvements, step-down readiness, time-to-step-down)
- 60-day CSR participation records
Enhanced Review Elements:
- Treatment Director and Program Director dual assessment (mirrors the dual-signature requirement from FC-TFFC-01 §8.3)
- Review of placement outcomes for high-acuity youth under the 365-day TFFC service-length cap
- Evaluation of foster parent's capacity for intensive treatment-team participation
- Assessment of awake night supervision effectiveness (where applicable)
Critical Clarification: TFFC training topics include the initial 6-hour requirement (NOT additional to the 30-hour annual standard) and the TAC §749.863(c) specialized requirements for treatment foster homes.
G. Add-On Services Re-Credentialing
1. Kinship Caregiver Support Services
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual (concurrent with primary package)
Assessment Focus:
- Family dynamics and relationships
- Kinship-specific support utilization
- Child's connection to biological family maintenance
- Cultural and familial traditions preservation
- Permanency progress toward family reunification or adoption
2. Transition Support Services for Youth & Young Adults
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual (concurrent with primary package)
Assessment Focus:
- Youth empowerment and participation
- Independent living skills development support
- Transition plan implementation
- Youth-directed goal progress
- Post-secondary education/employment support
3. Pregnant & Parenting Youth or Young Adult Support Services
Re-Credentialing Frequency: Annual (concurrent with primary package)
Assessment Focus:
- Parenting skill development support
- Infant/child care capabilities
- Medical and prenatal care coordination
- Educational continuity support
- Baby supplies and resource provision
III. RE-CREDENTIALING PROCESS AND PROCEDURES
A. Timeline and Notification Process
90 Days Before Re-Credentialing Due Date:
- Automated notification sent to foster parents
- Re-credentialing packet provided
- Training compliance review initiated
- Schedule home visit
60 Days Before Due Date:
- Home Developer conducts initial review
- Identify any deficiencies or training gaps
- Schedule required training or corrections
- Update required documentation
30 Days Before Due Date:
- Complete home safety inspection
- Conduct foster parent interview
- Review all required documentation
- Treatment Director assessment (for specialized packages)
- Compile re-credentialing report
15 Days Before Due Date:
- Program Director review of re-credentialing materials
- Executive Director final approval
- Issue re-credentialing decision
- Update Radius system
If Approved:
- Issue new credential certificate
- Update foster family home file
- Notify SSCC/DFPS
- Schedule next re-credentialing date
If Deficiencies Identified:
- Provide written corrective action plan
- Set timeline for corrections (typically 30-60 days)
- Offer support and resources
- Schedule follow-up review
- Provisional credential may be issued pending corrections
B. Re-Credentialing Assessment Tools
1. Foster Parent Self-Assessment Questionnaire
- Training and development needs
- Support system evaluation
- Placement experience reflection
- Areas of strength and growth
- Future placement preferences
2. Home Safety Inspection Checklist
- Physical environment safety (per TAC §749.1385)
- Service package-specific accommodations
- Medical equipment safety (if applicable)
- Emergency preparedness
- Accessibility considerations
3. Competency Assessment Matrix
- TBRI® principles application
- Service package-specific skills
- Documentation and communication
- Crisis management (for MH/IDD packages)
- Collaboration with professionals
4. Child Outcomes Review
- Placement stability rates
- CANS score improvements
- Behavioral progress
- Educational achievements
- Permanency progress
- Family connections maintenance
5. Professional Evaluations
- Case Manager assessment
- Treatment Director evaluation (specialized packages)
- Therapist/BSS feedback (MH package)
- RN consultant input (IDD package)
- Educational liaison feedback (IDD package)
C. Decision-Making Criteria
Re-Credential Approved:
- All TAC regulatory requirements met
- Training requirements current
- Home safety standards met
- Service package-specific competencies demonstrated
- Positive child outcomes documented
- Professional evaluations satisfactory
Provisional Re-Credential (with Corrective Action Plan):
- Minor deficiencies identified
- Training gaps requiring completion
- Documentation updates needed
- Skills development recommended
- Timeline: 30-60 days for corrections
Re-Credential Denied:
- Major safety concerns
- Regulatory violations
- Failure to complete required training
- Demonstrated inability to meet service package requirements
- Pattern of negative child outcomes
- Professional concerns about capabilities
Appeal Process:
- Foster parents may request review by Executive Director
- Written appeal submitted within 15 days
- Executive Director review within 30 days
- Final decision documented
IV. SERVICE PACKAGE-SPECIFIC RE-CREDENTIALING STANDARDS
A. T3C Basic Foster Family Home
Minimum Standards:
- ✓ 30 hours annual training completed
- ✓ TBRI® principles demonstrated in practice
- ✓ Home safety inspection passed
- ✓ Background checks current
- ✓ Medical examinations current
- ✓ No substantiated abuse/neglect allegations
- ✓ Positive placement outcomes
Enhanced Standards (best practice):
- ✓ TBRI® Practitioner certification maintained
- ✓ Placement stability >85%
- ✓ Foster parent satisfaction high
- ✓ Active participation in agency activities
- ✓ Mentoring of new foster parents
B. Mental & Behavioral Health Support Services
Minimum Standards (in addition to Basic):
- ✓ Initial 4-hour mental health training completed before first MH placement
- ✓ Annual 30 hours training with mental health topics integrated (NOT additional hours)
- ✓ Crisis intervention training current
- ✓ Therapeutic parenting skills demonstrated
- ✓ Effective collaboration with therapists/BSS documented
- ✓ Medication management competency (if applicable)
- ✓ Treatment Director approval obtained
- ✓ Positive outcomes for children with MH diagnoses
Enhanced Standards (best practice):
- ✓ Advanced TBRI® certification
- ✓ Mental health first aid certification
- ✓ Specialized training in specific disorders (ADHD, anxiety, depression)
- ✓ Successful step-down cases to Basic package
- ✓ Mentoring of other MH foster parents
Disqualifying Factors:
- Unable to manage crisis situations safely
- Poor collaboration with treatment team
- Pattern of placement disruptions for MH cases
- Medication management errors
- Failure to support required weekly therapy
Annual Training Verification:
- Confirm 30 hours total completed (standard requirement)
- Verify mental health topics included within those 30 hours
- Psychotropic medication update (2 hours annually - within 30-hour requirement)
- Crisis intervention refresher documented
C. IDD/Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Services
Minimum Standards (in addition to Basic):
- ✓ Initial 6-hour IDD/Autism training completed before first IDD/ASD placement
- ✓ Annual 30 hours training with IDD/Autism topics integrated (NOT additional hours)
- ✓ Communication strategies training verified
- ✓ Sensory accommodation skills demonstrated
- ✓ Medical management competency (if applicable)
- ✓ Medical equipment training current (if applicable)
- ✓ Educational liaison activities documented
- ✓ RN consultant collaboration effective
- ✓ Treatment Director approval obtained
- ✓ Positive developmental outcomes documented
Enhanced Standards (best practice):
- ✓ Autism specialty certification
- ✓ AAC device training
- ✓ Advanced sensory integration training
- ✓ Complex medical needs training
- ✓ IEP advocacy training
- ✓ Successful support of multiple IDD/Autism placements
Disqualifying Factors:
- Inability to implement communication supports
- Failure to coordinate medical care appropriately
- Poor collaboration with RN consultant
- Medical equipment safety violations
- Lack of engagement with educational system
- Pattern of negative developmental outcomes
Annual Training Verification:
- Confirm 30 hours total completed (standard requirement)
- Verify IDD/Autism topics included within those 30 hours
- Communication strategies updates documented
- Sensory processing refreshers completed
D. Substance Use Support Services
Minimum Standards (in addition to Basic):
- ✓ Initial 4-hour Substance Use training completed before first SU placement
- ✓ Annual 30 hours training with Substance Use topics integrated (NOT additional hours)
- ✓ Recovery-supportive home environment maintained (substance-free; secure medication/MAT storage)
- ✓ Non-punitive response philosophy demonstrated
- ✓ Crisis response readiness verified (overdose, withdrawal, active intoxication)
- ✓ Effective collaboration with Licensed Therapist, MAT prescribers, and STAR Health network
- ✓ Treatment Director approval obtained
- ✓ Positive recovery outcomes for prior SU placements
Enhanced Standards (best practice):
- ✓ Narcan administration certification
- ✓ Mental Health First Aid certification
- ✓ Specialized adolescent SU recovery training
- ✓ Successful step-down cases (SU → MH or Basic)
- ✓ Mentoring of other SU foster parents
Disqualifying Factors:
- Substance use in the home or on caregiver's record
- Punitive response to youth substance use or relapse
- Failure to maintain secure medication/MAT storage
- Crisis response failures (e.g., delayed response to overdose)
- Pattern of placement disruptions for SU cases
Annual Training Verification:
- Confirm 30 hours total completed (standard requirement)
- Verify Substance Use topics included within those 30 hours
- Non-punitive relapse response refresher documented
- Overdose response training current (where applicable)
E. Short-Term Assessment Support Services
Minimum Standards (in addition to Basic):
- ✓ Initial 4-hour STASS training completed before first STASS placement
- ✓ Annual 30 hours training with STASS topics integrated (NOT additional hours)
- ✓ Daily observation and documentation effectiveness demonstrated
- ✓ Multi-system navigation skills verified
- ✓ Enhanced logistical/transportation capacity for assessment-intensive placements
- ✓ Service Package recommendation contribution quality demonstrated
- ✓ Treatment Director approval obtained
- ✓ Successful prior STASS placement transitions
Enhanced Standards (best practice):
- ✓ Trauma-informed assessment training
- ✓ Advanced behavioral observation training
- ✓ Multi-disciplinary team participation experience
- ✓ Successful support of multiple STASS placements with timely transitions
Disqualifying Factors:
- Inability to maintain detailed daily documentation
- Poor multi-system coordination
- Pattern of assessment-period crises requiring placement disruption
- Failure to support assessment scheduling and timeline requirements
Annual Training Verification:
- Confirm 30 hours total completed (standard requirement)
- Verify STASS topics included within those 30 hours
- Assessment-period observation refresher documented
- Multi-system coordination updates documented
F. T3C Treatment Foster Family Care Support Services
Minimum Standards (in addition to Basic):
- ✓ Initial 6-hour TFFC training completed before first TFFC placement (per TAC §749.863(c))
- ✓ Annual 30 hours training with TFFC topics integrated (NOT additional hours)
- ✓ Multi-meeting-per-week capacity demonstrated
- ✓ Intensive therapeutic environment maintained
- ✓ 24/7 crisis response coordination with on-call Licensed Therapist
- ✓ Family engagement throughout placement and aftercare documented (per FC-TFFC-01 §5.5)
- ✓ Step-down planning from Day 1 capacity demonstrated
- ✓ Treatment Director and Program Director dual approval obtained
Enhanced Standards (best practice):
- ✓ Advanced TBRI® certification
- ✓ Awake night supervision capacity verified
- ✓ Specialized Paid Intermittent Alternative Care Program engagement
- ✓ Successful step-down cases (TFFC → MH or Basic)
- ✓ Mentoring of other TFFC foster parents
Disqualifying Factors:
- Inability to attend multiple weekly meetings
- Failure to coordinate with treatment team
- Pattern of placement disruptions for TFFC cases
- Unable to support 24/7 crisis response with on-call Therapist
- Poor outcomes in 60-day CSR reviews
Annual Training Verification:
- Confirm 30 hours total completed (standard requirement)
- Verify TFFC topics included within those 30 hours
- Treatment team coordination refresher documented
- TBRI®-informed therapeutic activities refresher documented
V. DOCUMENTATION AND RECORD KEEPING
A. Re-Credentialing File Contents
Required Documents (all packages):
- Re-credentialing application/self-assessment
- Home safety inspection report
- Training transcripts (past 12 months)
- Background check results (per TAC schedule)
- Medical examination results (per TAC schedule)
- Foster parent interview notes
- Professional evaluations (case manager, etc.)
- Child outcomes summary
- Program Director review and recommendation
- Executive Director approval
- Re-credentialing decision letter
- Updated credential certificate
Additional Documents (specialized packages):
- Treatment Director assessment
- Specialized training certificates
- Competency verification tools
- Therapist/BSS evaluations (MH)
- RN consultant evaluation (IDD)
- Medical equipment competency (IDD, if applicable)
- Educational liaison documentation (IDD)
B. Documentation in Radius System
Required Data Entry:
- Re-credentialing date
- Service packages/add-ons credentialed
- Next re-credentialing due date
- Training compliance status
- Home safety inspection results
- Decision and approval dates
- Any corrective action plans
- Professional evaluations summary
C. Notifications and Reporting
Internal Notifications:
- Foster parents (90, 60, 30, 15 days before due date)
- Case managers assigned to home
- Program Director
- Treatment Director (specialized packages)
- Quality Assurance team
External Notifications:
- SSCC/DFPS (re-credentialing completed)
- STAR Health (for MH and IDD packages)
- Educational liaisons (IDD package)
VI. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE (6-Month Inactive Interim Credential Period)
Month 1: Research and Development Phase
Week 1-2:
- Research T3C Blueprint requirements for foster family credentialing
- Review other CPA best practices for re-assessment processes
- Identify regulatory requirements from TAC Chapter 749
Week 3-4:
- Identify current foster families needing assessment for service packages
- Determine which families may qualify for specialized packages
- Begin preliminary discussions with interested families
Month 2: Policy Framework Development
Week 1-2:
- Draft Foster Family Re-Assessment Policy document
- Define frequency requirements for re-credentialing by service package
- Establish criteria for successful re-credentialing
Week 3-4:
- Develop appeal process procedures
- Create decision-making matrix
- Executive Director review and approval
Month 3: Procedure Development
Week 1-2:
- Create detailed Re-Credentialing Procedure with step-by-step processes
- Develop timeline and notification procedures
- Design corrective action plan template
Week 3-4:
- Create assessment tools and checklists
- Develop competency assessment matrices
- Design documentation templates and forms
Month 4: Tool and Form Development
Week 1-2:
- Design Foster Parent Self-Assessment Questionnaire
- Create Home Safety Inspection Checklist (package-specific versions)
- Develop Competency Assessment tools
- Create Professional Evaluation forms
Week 3-4:
- Build Radius system workflows for re-credentialing tracking
- Create automated notification system
- Develop reporting templates
- Test all forms and tools with pilot group
Month 5: Pilot Implementation
Week 1-2:
- Select 5 foster families for pilot re-credentialing process
- Implement procedures with pilot families
- Document lessons learned and challenges
Week 3-4:
- Refine procedures based on pilot feedback
- Adjust tools and forms as needed
- Update Radius system workflows
- Train additional staff on procedures
Month 6: Full Implementation Launch
Week 1-2:
- Begin systematic re-credentialing of all active foster families
- Establish scheduling system for ongoing re-credentialing cycles
- Document all re-credentialing activities in Radius system
Week 3-4:
- Conduct information sessions for foster parents on new requirements
- Distribute written materials explaining re-credentialing process
- Address questions and concerns from foster parents
- Finalize all documentation for Active Interim Credential application
VII. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
A. Re-Credentialing Process Monitoring
Quarterly Review:
- Re-credentialing completion rates
- Average time to complete re-credentialing
- Number of corrective action plans issued
- Appeal requests and outcomes
- Foster parent satisfaction with process
Annual Evaluation:
- Process efficiency assessment
- Tool and form effectiveness
- Staff competency in conducting re-credentialing
- Correlation between re-credentialing outcomes and child outcomes
- Recommendations for improvements
B. Continuous Quality Improvement
Data Collection:
- Re-credentialing metrics tracked in Radius
- Foster parent feedback surveys
- Staff feedback on process
- Child outcome data by credentialed package
Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle:
- Review re-credentialing data quarterly
- Implement process improvements
- Study results of changes
- Adjust procedures as needed
VIII. SUPPORT AND RESOURCES FOR FOSTER PARENTS
A. Training and Development Support
Available Resources:
- Annual training calendar with specialized options
- Online learning modules for flexible scheduling
- Mentoring from experienced foster parents
- Consultation with Treatment Directors
- TBRI® refresher courses
- Service package-specific workshops
B. Re-Credentialing Preparation Support
Support Services:
- 90-day advance notification with checklist
- Case manager assistance with documentation
- Training gap identification and scheduling
- Home safety pre-inspection with recommendations
- Question and answer sessions
- Written preparation guides
C. Ongoing Support Between Re-Credentialing
Continuous Support:
- Monthly foster parent meetings
- 24/7 case manager availability
- Quarterly home visits
- Annual satisfaction surveys
- Peer support groups
- Recognition and appreciation events
IX. SPECIALIZED PACKAGE TRANSITION PROCESSES
A. Adding a Service Package Credential
Process:
- Foster parent expresses interest in specialized package
- Case manager provides information and requirements
- Foster parent completes specialized training
- Treatment Director conducts assessment
- Home Developer reviews home for package-specific needs
- Program Director evaluates readiness
- Executive Director approves package addition
- Credential certificate updated
- SSCC/DFPS notified
Timeline: Typically 60-90 days
B. Removing a Service Package Credential
Voluntary Removal:
- Foster parent requests to discontinue specialized package
- Case manager documents reason
- Ensure no current placements affected
- Update credential certificate
- Notify SSCC/DFPS
- Basic package credential remains active
Involuntary Removal:
- Performance concerns identified
- Pattern of negative outcomes
- Inability to meet specialized requirements
- Corrective action unsuccessful
- Treatment Director recommendation
- Program Director review
- Executive Director decision
- Written notification to foster parent with appeal rights
- Develop transition plan for any current placements
X. COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY REPORTING
A. Internal Compliance
Monthly Reports:
- Re-credentialing completion status
- Upcoming re-credentialing due dates
- Training compliance by foster family
- Corrective action plans progress
Quarterly Reports:
- Re-credentialing outcomes summary
- Service package distribution
- Quality metrics dashboard
- Areas for improvement
B. External Reporting
SSCC/DFPS Notifications:
- Re-credentialing completions (within 15 business days)
- Service package credential changes
- Any foster home closures or suspensions
- Quarterly credential status reports
Regulatory Submissions:
- Annual re-evaluation compliance (TAC §749.1387)
- Service package credential roster
- Quality assurance reports
- Outcome data summaries
CONCLUSION
This comprehensive Foster Family Re-Assessment and Re-Credentialing Plan ensures that Refuge House maintains the highest standards for foster family homes while providing appropriate support for caregivers. The systematic approach to annual re-credentialing, combined with service package-specific assessments, ensures child safety, quality care, and compliance with all T3C and regulatory requirements.
Key Success Factors: ✓ Clear timelines and expectations
✓ Multiple assessment components
✓ Service package-specific standards
✓ Support for foster parent development
✓ Quality assurance integration
✓ Continuous improvement processes
Document Prepared By: Refuge House Quality Assurance Department
Approved By: Michele Gorman, Ph.D., Executive Director
Effective Date: Upon Active Interim Credential
Review Date: Annually or as needed
Next Review: 12 months after implementation