2018 TBRA Preference Definition Sheet

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Family Reunification: Eligibility occurs when inadequate housing is a primary factor preventing the reuniting of foster care children with their biological parent(s), or to prevent children from going into foster care and the applicant is working with a State, County or Private Social Services agency. Inadequate housing is defined under the "homelessness" preferences, or something other than "standard, permanent, replacement housing) as defined above. The applicant must: 1. Provide a letter, on agency letterhead, from a State, County or Private Social Services Agency supporting the need for housing assistance; 2. For children returning from foster care, documentation must demonstrate that custodial visits or re -unification are scheduled to occur within six (6) months; 3. For prevention of children going into foster care, documentation must reflect firsthand knowledge that current inadequate housing is a contributing factor to the potential removal of the children. Homelessness: An individual is considered homeless when an individual lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and an individual has a primary nighttime residence that is —(a) supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill); (b) an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or (c) a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. A person imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an act of Congress or state law is not considered "homeless". The OHCD must: 1. Receive one (1) letter on letterhead from a shelter, transitional or supportive housing agency where the family resides; OR the Homeless Verification form, from a social worker, social services agency, health care official, family intervention advocate, or school official having first hand knowledge that the family lives in one of the places listed above; AND be connected to a Homeless Service Provider and be on the Coordinated Entry System — By Name List. Terminally III: When a family member has an incurable, terminal illness. The OHCD must: 1. Receive a written verification of the terminal illness from the individual's attending physician. Verification must include a diagnosis & prognosis that life expectancy is estimated to be three (3) years or less, and evidenced that the terminal nature of the illness meets the criteria for disability, as defined in Section 2223 of the Social Security Act. 6001sslh Updated 09/10/2018