Admission Criteria – Admission to a QRTP must follow these guidelines:

Admission Criteria – Admission to a QRTP must follow these guidelines: 1. A qualified and independent individual must conduct a comprehensive assessment of a child placed in a QRTP within thirty (30) days of the placement start date. The qualified individual may conduct this assessment prior to the placement in the QRTP but must complete it no later than the end of the 30-day period. 2. Within sixty (60) days of a foster youth's placement in a QRTP, a court review must take place to approve or disapprove the placement. The Court will consider the 30-day assessment and determine whether the needs of the youth can be met through placement in a foster family home or whether the QRTP provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the youth, as specified in the permanency plan for the youth. 3. A QRTP placement must be reviewed by the MDCPS Commissioner and the United States Department Health and Human Services Secretary if a foster youth fourteen (14) years of age or older has been placed in a QRTP for twelve (12) consecutive months or eighteen (18) non-consecutive months. 4. A QRTP placement must be reviewed by the MDCPS Commissioner and the United States Department Health and Human Services Secretary if a title IV- E agency places a child in a QRTP for more than twelve (12) consecutive months, or eighteen (18) non-consecutive months, or, in the case of a child who has not attained age thirteen (13), for more than six (6) consecutive or non-consecutive months. MDCPS will submit to HHS: a. The most recent versions of the evidence and documentation submitted for the most recent status review or permanency hearing; and b. The signed approval of the MDCPS Commissioner for the continued placement of the child in that setting.