1. (a) The FSW will:

   1. (1) Coordinate the subsidized guardianship determination meeting to discuss the potential subsidized guardianship arrangement and agreement within fourteen (14) days of receiving notification from the Division of Children and Family Services Subsidized Guardianship Coordinator or designee to move forward with pursuing a subsidized guardianship arrangement;

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Arrange a date for the following participants to attend the family-centered meeting with a preference of at least seven (7) days’ notice before the meeting date (though the meeting may take place earlier if all participants agree to an earlier date):

2. (i) Child, if age appropriate;

   1. (ii) Prospective relative or fictive kin guardians;

      1. (iii) Child’s biological parents, if appropriate;

         1. (iv) Any grandparent who is entitled to notice based on the conditions listed in 9 CAR § 40-406, notification of relatives and fictive kin when a child is taken into custody by the Division of Children and Family Services, and related procedures;
         2. (v) Child’s FSW;
         3. (vi) FSW Supervisor
         4. (vii) Adoption representative (if Adoption Representative did not participate in permanency planning staffing); and
         5. (viii) The division Subsidized Guardianship Coordinator or designee.

      2. (B) The following shall be invited to the meeting but attendance is not required:

         1. (i) Area director or designee;
         2. (ii) Child’s attorney ad litem;
         3. (iii) Child’s CASA (if applicable);
         4. (iv) Office of Chief Counsel representative; and
         5. (v) Parent counsel (if applicable); and
   2. (3) If it is determined during the meeting that it is not appropriate for the family to move forward with the legal guardianship supported by a guardianship subsidy, see 9 CAR § 40-945, denial of subsidized guardianship arrangement.

3. (b) The FSW supervisor will:

   1. (1) Conference with the FSW as needed;
   2. (2) Participate in the subsidized guardianship determination meeting; and

   3. (3) Inform the Area Director of issues related to pursuing the subsidized guardianship arrangement for the child.

      1. (c) The division Subsidized Guardianship Coordinator or designee will:
   4. (1) Facilitate the subsidized guardianship determination meeting;
   5. (2) Provide an overview of subsidized guardianship to ensure that all participants have a thorough understanding of the intent and requirements of the program;

   6. (3)

      1. (A) Discuss the subsidy rate with the prospective relative or fictive kin guardians.
      2. (B) The subsidy rate should not exceed the child’s current foster care board payment;

   7. (4) If the prospective relative or fictive kin guardians inquire about a special subsidy rate, i.e., more than the child’s current foster care board payment, due to special circumstances related to the youth’s care, ask them to complete CFS-435-C: Subsidized Guardianship Special Subsidy Request and to provide the division with a written statement from the child’s physician or treatment professional that provides:

      1. (A) Child’s diagnosis;
      2. (B) Child’s prognosis;
      3. (C) Identification of any current treatment being provided; and
      4. (D) Reasoning as to why the preceding information would warrant a special subsidy rate;

   8. (5) Inform the prospective relative or fictive kin guardians that any approved guardianship subsidy:

      1. (A) Will be paid according to the terms outlined in the CFS-435-F: Subsidized Guardianship Agreement, which will not be effective until the court enters an order of guardianship; and
      2. (B) May be modified at the annual review based on changes in policy or significant changes in the child’s circumstances; and
   9. (6) If determined during the subsidized guardianship determination meeting that it is appropriate for the family to move forward with the legal guardianship supported by a guardianship subsidy, submit all related forms and supporting documentation to the committee within forty-eight (48) hours of the staffing of the family’s intent to move forward.

Codification Notes: This section as promulgated prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules provided as follows: "01/2020"