You are on this page: 2019 Policy Directives
Administrative Directives (ADM) are external policy statements designed to advise local service districts and voluntary agencies of policy and procedure which must be followed and require specific action.
Informational Letters (INF) are external policy statements that clarify or amplify existing procedures. They may provide general educational information, transmit a new brochure, distribute a revised list of contacts, or announce newly enacted Federal or State legislation.
These are shared with local districts and appropriate voluntary agencies.
Local Commissioners Memorandums (LCM) are external policy releases that transmit information to the local social service districts commissioners on specific topics. An LCM generally affects all local social services districts statewide. Information transmitted by an LCM may include notification of funding, statewide audit results, or instructions pertaining to existing program or administrative procedures.
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Administrative Directives
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19-OCFS-ADM-01 - Committee on Special Education Maintenance Rates for July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019, for Out-of-State Residential Schools Approved by the New York State Education Department
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-01 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-01 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-02 - Rest-of-State Domestic Violence State Aid Rates for January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-02 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-02 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-03 - Payment of Residential Services for Victims of Domestic Violence
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-03 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-03 ]- Attachment 1: Residential Domestic Violence Shelter Budgeting and Payment Examples
- Attachment 2: OCFS-2201 Domestic Violence Release of Information
- Attachment 3: OCFS-2200 District of Fiscal Responsibility (DFR) Determination Worksheet for Domestic Violence Programs for Victims not Receiving or Applying for Temporary Assistance (TA)
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19-OCFS-ADM-04 - Expansion of Background Checks for Congregate Care Staff -
Cancelled on November 18, 2019. Replaced by 19-OCFS-ADM-21.
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-04 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-04 ] - 19-OCFS-ADM-05 - Notification of Expanded Services in a Residential Transitional Independent Living Support Program (TILP)
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-05 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-05 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-06 - Notification of Increased Length of Stay in a Residential Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Crisis Services Program
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-06 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-06 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-07-R1 - FFPSA Model Licensing Standards and Updated Forms for the Certification or Approval of Foster/Adoptive Homes ( Revised March 7, 2023 )
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-07 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-07 ]- Pub. 5183i Foster-Adoptive Parents Certification-Approval Process Chart
- Pub. 5183ii Clearance Chart for Certified or Approved Foster Homes
- OCFS-5183A Self Assessment
- OCFS-5183B Foster-Adoptive Parent Application
- OCFS-5183C Family Adoption Registry Information (Formerly Application To Adopt)
- OCFS-5183D Foster-Adoptive Applicant Medical Report ( Revised March 7, 2023 )
- OCFS-5183E Safety Review
- OCFS-5183F Household Compositions and Relationships
- OCFS-5183G Sample Genogram Template
- OCFS-5183H Personal References
- OCFS-5183I Resource Characteristics
- OCFS-5183J Foster Parent Agreement with Authorized Agency
- OCFS-5183K Final Assessment-Determination
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19-OCFS-ADM-08 - Required Forms for Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Placement Referrals
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-08 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-08 ]- OCFS-5050 Checklist for Caseworkers for ICPC Home Study Requests
- OCFS-5050G Residential Placement Checklist for Caseworkers - Regulation 4
- OCFS-5050A Cover Sheet
- OCFS-5050B Certification of Title IV-E Eligibility for Interstate Placements of New York Children
- OCFS-5050C Financial-Medical Plan
- OCFS-5050D Detailed Child Summary
- OCFS-5050E Signed Statement of Sending Agency Case Manager
- OCFS-5050F Expedited Placement Decision Home Study Request Form - Regulation 7-Combined Form
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19-OCFS-ADM-09 - Extension of Maximum State Aid Rates for Foster Care Programs and Residential Programs for Committee on Special Education Placements – Effective April 1, 2019, through June 30, 2019
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-09 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-09 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-10 - Removal of Non-Medical Exemptions from Vaccines
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-10 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-10 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-11 - Sex Trafficking Allegation
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-11 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-11 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-12 - Foster Boarding Home Annual Reauthorization Process and Template
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-12 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-12 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-13 - Uploading Documents/Photos to CONNECTIONS
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-13 ] [ PDF ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-14 - Changes to Legally-Exempt and Child Care Subsidy Regulations and Revised Legally-Exempt Enrollment Forms
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-14 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-14 ]- OCFS-LDSS-4699, Enrollment Form for Provider of Legally-Exempt In-Home Child Care and Legally-Exempt Family Child Care (Revised 9/2019)
- OCFS-LDSS-4699a, Instructions for Enrollment Form for Provider of Legally-Exempt In-Home Child Care and Legally-Exempt Family Child Care (Revised 9/2019)
- OCFS-LDSS-4700, Enrollment Form for Legally-Exempt Group Child Care Program (Revised 9/2019)
- OCFS-LDSS-4700a, Instructions for Enrollment Form for Legally-Exempt Group Child Care Program (Revised 9/2019)
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19-OCFS-ADM-15 - Guidance for Providing Temporary Assistance Information to Victims of Domestic Violence
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-15 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-15 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-16 - Revised Model Contract of Local Purchase of Residential Domestic Violence Service Agreements
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-16 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-16 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-17 - Placement Module Phase 3 – Searching/Matching Function
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-17 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-17 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-18 - Per Diem Chargeback Rates for OCFS-Operated Facilities and Programs – Calendar Year 2017 Final Rates
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-18 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-18 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-19 - Changes to Child Care Subsidy Regulations 2019
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-19 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-19 ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-20 - Maximum State Aid Rates for Foster Care Programs and In-State Committee on Special Education (CSE) Placements – Effective July 1, 2019, Through March 31, 2020
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-20 ] [ PDF ]- Attachment A: MSARs for FBH Payments and Adoption Subsidies
- Attachment B: MSARs for SILPs
- Attachment C: Growth Factors - VFCA MSARs and CSE Maint Rate
- Attachment D: MSARS for VFCAs (Grp Care FBH)
- Attachment E: In-State CSE Rates - OCFS Licensed
- Attachment F: In-State CSE Rates - Licensed by Other NYS Agencies
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19-OCFS-ADM-21 - Expansion of Background Checks for Congregate Care Staff Under the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-21 ] [ PDF ] -
19-OCFS-ADM-22 - Person In Need of Supervision Reform Changes
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-ADM-22 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-ADM-22 ]
Informational Letters
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19-OCFS-INF-01 - The Inclusion of Local Social Services District Comments in Child Fatality Reports
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-INF-01 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-INF-01 ] -
19-OCFS-INF-02 - 2019 Income Standards for the Child and Family Services Plan
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-INF-02 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-INF-02 ] -
19-OCFS-INF-03 - Child Care Market Rates Advance Notification
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-INF-03 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-INF-03 ] -
19-OCFS-INF-04 - Use of Communication Technologies by Children in Foster Care
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-INF-04 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-INF-04 ]-
Caregiver Cell Phone and Online Safety Contract
[ Word document for Pub.1121 ] [ PDF document for Pub.1121 ] -
Child's Cell Phone and Online Safety Contract
[ Word document for Pub.1122 ] [ PDF document for Pub.1122 ] - Social Media: Tips for Foster Care Workers
- Social Media: Tips for Youth in Foster Care
- Social Media: Tips for Foster Parents and Caregivers
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Caregiver Cell Phone and Online Safety Contract
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19-OCFS-INF-05 - Education and Training Voucher Application and Eligibility Requirements
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-INF-05 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-INF-05 ] -
19-OCFS-INF-06 - Therapeutic Foster Care Guidance
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-INF-06 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-INF-06 ]
Local Commissioner Memorandums
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19-OCFS-LCM-01 - State Minimum Wage Increase and Its Effect Upon Child Care Assistance
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-01 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-01 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-02 - Raise the Age Claiming
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-02 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-02 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-03 - Raise the Age Public Safety Claiming
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-03 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-03 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-04 - Claiming for the Raise the Age Expenses made Prior to the Implementation of Raise the Age
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-04 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-04 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-05 Local Departments of Social Services to Electronically Transmit Requests for Court-Ordered Investigations Under Section 1034 of the Family Court Act
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-05 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-05 ]
Form: OCFS-1034 - Court-Ordered Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Maltreatment -
19-OCFS-LCM-06 Child Protective Services Manual Updates
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-06 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-06 ]- Chapter 1: Introduction to Child Protective Services - section H, page H-4
- Chapter 5: Family Assessment Response - chapter revised
- Chapter 6: Child Protective Investigations - section F, page F-4
- Chapter 6: Child Protective Investigations - section H, page H-1
- Chapter 6: Child Protective Investigations - section J,Page J-5
- Chapter 9: Family Court Proceedings - section F page, F-2
- Chapter 14: Appendix- form OCFS-2196, Plan of Safe Care
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19-OCFS-LCM-07 Updated Requirements to Launch, Re-Launch or Modify a Family Assessment Response Program
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-07 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-07 ]- OCFS-4362 - Application to Relaunch a Child Protective Services (CPS) Family Assessment Response (FAR) program
- OCFS-4363 - Family Assessment Response (FAR) Change Request Form
- OCFS-4364 - Family Assessment Response (FAR) Implementation Guidelines
- OCFS-4365 - Application to Provide a Child Protective Services (CPS) Differential Response System by Adding Family Assessment Responses (FAR)
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19-OCFS-LCM-08 - Federal Fiscal Year 2019 Independent Living Allocations
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-08 ] [ PDF ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-09 - Family First Transition Fund
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-09 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-09 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-10 - Raise the Age Behavioral Health
(Superseded by 19-OCFS-LCM-02)
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-10 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-10 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-11 - Federal Administration for Children and Families Final Report on the 2018 Title IV-E Primary Foster Care Eligibility Review
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-11 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-11 ]- ACF Final Report 2018, Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Report. (For this and previous Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility Reviews, select the “Previous FCER Findings” tab on the left-hand menu.)
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19-OCFS-LCM-12 - Community Optional Preventive Services (COPS) Program $1,000,000 Set-Aside Funding Instructions (FFY 2018-19/SFY 2019-20)
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-12 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-12 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-13 Application for Child Care Assistance and How to Complete the Application for Child Care Assistance Revisions
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-13 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-13 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-14 Tuition Reimbursement for Children Who Have Educational Disabilities and Are Placed in Institutions
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-14 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-14 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-15 - Community Optional Preventive Services (COPS) Program FFY 2018-2019/SFY 2019-2020 Funding and Claiming Instructions
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-15 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-15 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-16 - SFY 2019-20 Social Services Block Grant (Title XX) Allocations
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-16 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-16 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-17 - Child Welfare Advances, Intercepts, Chargebacks, and Claims Adjustments
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-17 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-17 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-18 - State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2019-20 Foster Care Block Grant Allocations - Revised 8/7/2019
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-18 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-18 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-19 - New York State Child Care Block Grant Subsidy Program Allocations SFY 2019-2020
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-19 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-19 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-20 - Eligibility Case File Maintenance
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-20 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-20 ]- OCFS-4777 - Federal Foster Care Candidacy Determination Form (revised 10/2019)
- OCFS-2125 - Title IV-E Eligibility Documentation File (revised 9/2021)
- OCFS-4401 - Adoption Subsidy Eligibility Documentation File
- OCFS-4435a - Kinship Guardianship Assistance Eligibility Checklist
- OCFS-4435b - Kinship Guardianship Assistance Eligibility Checklist Instructions
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19-OCFS-LCM-21 - Calendar Year 2019 Local District Training Cap
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-21 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-21 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-22 - TANF Funding for Non-Residential Domestic Violence Services for SFY 2019-20
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-22 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-22 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-23 - Child Care Market Rates 2019
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-23 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-23 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-24 - Mandated Reporter Summary of Findings Letters to Be Sent via Email Through CONNECTIONS
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-24 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-24 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-25 - Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule
(Revised 11/19/2019)
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-25 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-25 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-26 - Expansion of the Child Care Assistance Program
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-26 ] [ PDF document for 19-OCFS-LCM-26 ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-27 - CAPTA/CARA State Grant FY2019
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-27 ] [ PDF ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-28 - Raise the Age Behavioral Health
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-28 ] [ PDF ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-29 - Raise the Age Caseworker Training Expenses
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-29 ] [ PDF ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-30 - Raise the Age Treahy Consultation Services LLC Expenses
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-30 ] [ PDF ] -
19-OCFS-LCM-31 Child Protective Services Manual Updates
[ Word document for 19-OCFS-LCM-06 ] [ PDF ]