Definition?
Agency Based Foster Care (ABFC) is for children who have been identified with a level of need that exceeds those that can be met in traditional foster care. This level of need is determined by the completion of the Foster Care Payment Checklist which is completed by the referral source, typically Nebraska Health and Human Services (NHHS) or the Integrated Care Coordination Unit (ICCU).
An ABFC specialist will work with the child and foster parent on identified goals at least one hour every other week.
An ABFC supervisor will conduct weekly contact with the foster family with a minimum of monthly face to face contact to coordinate services, support the family, problem solve, and ensure the service plan is being followed. The supervisor will also have regular phone contact with the NHHS/ICCU case manager throughout the month.
How do I access services?
The Foster Care Payment Checklist must be completed and the child?s point score must be within the State?s set guidelines. A referral must be sent to Visinet, Inc. by the NHHS/ICCU placement staff member or directly by the case manager before the placement can be finalized.
What are the criteria?
The youth must be under the age of nineteen (19) and a current Ward of the State.
A youth must meet the criteria for the agency based foster care level as determined by his/her NHHS/ICCU case manager using the Foster Care Payment Checklist.
Payment?
Payment is received monthly from an authorization that is generated by the NHHS/ICCU income maintenance worker/case manager upon the initial placement date.
Who do I call?
Contact the Foster Care Coordinator in the Omaha office at (402) 898-8881 or in Lincoln at (402) 464-8866.
