Eligibility

In order to be eligible for babysitting services paid for in whole or in part by the Department, there must be an assessed need for babysitting services. The Department may assess a need for babysitting services: (1) Occasional, Short-term Babysitting Services. (a) Non-emergency. When the client needs babysitting services to participate in other services contained in the client's service plan. (b) Emergency. When the client needs babysitting services to correct a temporary emergency situation or during a period of injury of the parent and primary care giver. (2) Regular Ongoing Babysitting Services. The Department may provide regular ongoing babysitting services when: (a) in the judgment of the Department, the provision of babysitting services will aid in protecting a child who is the subject of a supported 51A report from further abuse and/or neglect; or (b) in the judgment of the Department, the provision of babysitting services will aid in preventing the occurrence of abuse and/or neglect, in preventing the placement of children in substitute care, and/or in reuniting families as children return home from substitute care; or (c) in the judgment of the Department, the need for babysitting services is caused by a physical, mental or emotional disability of the child; or (d) in the judgment of the Department, day care services (through the Department or otherwise) are unavailable or inappropriate.