Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC). If you would like a copy of this FAQ, please send a request to HCPCFC@dhcs.ca.gov.

Program and Policy Questions

Will there be program-specific trainings created for new Public Health Nurses (PHNs) working in local programs?

At this time, DHCS does not have program-specific trainings available; however, efforts are underway to develop program-specific training. Counties are encouraged to coordinate with one another and share resources as needed. There are training modules covering the HCPCFC Program Manual available on the HCPCFC website under Local Program Training Modules.

Can counties request temporary PHN waivers to hire Registered Nurses (RNs) who are in the process of obtaining their PHN license?

No, waivers are no longer available for the HCPCFC. Waivers were discontinued in 2021 after a review of policy. Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 16501.3 states that counties shall use the services of a Foster Care PHN.

Does the HCPCFC serve foster children and youth who are in the Family Maintenance stage (living with biological families) but still open to Child and Family Services (CFS)?

No, children and youth in family maintenance do not qualify for HCPCFC. HCPCFC only serves: Foster Youth as defined by WIC 11400(f), Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) as defined by WIC 11400 (v)(1-3), and Wards of the Juvenile Court as defined by WIC 450 who have been removed from their home pursuant to WIC 309 (temporary custody), are the subject of a petition filed under WIC 300 (dependent-victim of abuse or neglect) or WIC 602 (juvenile who has violated the law), or have been removed from their home and are the subject of a petition under WIC 300 or 602.

For purposes of HCPCFC a foster child is a court dependent placed with a relative, foster family, foster family agency, or group home. A ward of the court placed in foster care, whose placement is funded by Aid to Families with Dependent Children-Foster Care (AFDC-FC) funds, is also eligible for this program.

Is there a Scope of Work for the Public Health Assistant (PHA) classification?

The classification of a PHA is determined by each county, allowing flexibility to align with program needs. These positions are associated with non-clinical administrative tasks such as clerical support, data entry, or general operational assistance for public health programs. Currently, no specific restrictions are applied to PHA classifications, provided the duties align with administrative support functions for HCPCFC programs. If the PHA meets the stipulations for Directly Supporting Staff (DSS), they are eligible to claim enhanced activities.

Is there any policy about who the HCPCFC Supervising PHN (SPHN) must report to or is this determined by the Local Health Department (LHD)?

This would be determined by the LHD. For SPHNs, supervisory and reporting chains are decided based on the local Memoranda Of Understanding (MOU), county policies, and administrative structure.

Is a MOU between local programs and DHCS required?

No, at this time, DHCS does not require an MOU between local programs. Local programs are required to have MOUs in place with their local Child Welfare and Probation departments.

Will DHCS be providing an updated HCPCFC contact list quarterly?

Yes, DHCS will send a copy of the contact list through the general HCPCFC inbox on a quarterly basis.

Where is the link to update the HCPCFC contact list?

Counties may use this form to submit or update their HCPCFC contact information: https://forms.office.com/g/2MjRvR6SSE

Will DHCS consider requests by local programs to combine the .25 positions into one full-time administrative support staff in the HCPCFC Administrative allocation (as their funding allows)? Rather than splitting it up into three .25 different positions, can we combine it into one position?

Yes, this is allowable as long as the county/city is not exceeding their allocation. Three .25 positions equal .75. The county would have to fund the other .25 Full Time Equivalent. Counties/cities will not be allocated more money and should not exceed their allocated amount.

Can DHCS provide a repository for HCPCFC documents and templates?

Due to accessibility controls and in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, HCPCFC forms, templates and other documents cannot be housed by DHCS in a central location that is available for public use. Please email HCPCFC@dhcs.ca.gov to request documents and/or templates. Budget documents can be found in the ISCD Budget Portal.

Fiscal & Budget-Related Questions

Can local programs change their time study months?

Time studies must be conducted during the first, middle, or last month of each calendar quarter and completed consistently each quarter. No formal DHCS approval is required at this time; please document the change internally and apply it consistently. Counties must retain original time study documentation and make it available upon request for monitoring or audit purposes.

Can counties use HCPCFC funds to purchase software and/or a software program to use for time studies?

Yes, counties can use HCPCFC funds to purchase software and/or software programs, provided the costs are necessary, reasonable, and directly related to HCPCFC program administration activities. These purchases may be invoiced as an operating expense line item and may also be funded by the Administrative allocation.

Is the HCPCFC Administrative allocation ongoing?

Currently, the HCPCFC Administrative budget allocation is ongoing, unless there is a legislative change that would require DHCS to reallocate these funds.