·         Residential placement of any child under the age of 10 requires Central Office approval from the Pre-Ten Unit.

·         Pre-Ten Waivers are required, regardless of funding source.

·         Shelter placements lasting less than 30 days do not require a Pre-Ten Waiver.  If there is any indication that the shelter placement will last over 30 days, request a Pre-Ten Waiver during that first 30 days.

·         Emergency placement including inpatient psychiatric hospitalization for a period not to exceed 30 days from date of placement can be made with a telephone approval and the written documentation submitted within that first 30 days.

·         Refer to Manual Item CFF 722-3 p. 13 - 15 for the details on submitting a Pre-Ten Waiver request.

The following steps, in addition to the manual item, are suggested.

·         When considering making referrals for residential contact Connie Norman at the Pre-Ten Unit via email normanc2@michigan.gov or by phone at 517-335-3592.  Placement resource information is available upon request.

·         Write the memo stating what has been done to avoid residential placement (Wraparound services must be exhausted if available), current behaviors, and attach all supporting documents such as USP, Psychological Reports, School Reports and any recommendation that you have regarding the need for residential placement. 

·         If a Child Placing Agency is involved with the child and family, be sure to include who the contact person at that agency is.  They may be contacted if more specific information about the child and need for placement are required.  Where siblings are placed is also taken into consideration when approving a Pre-Ten Waiver.

·         Department of Human Services:  Have your County Director or District Manager sign the recommendation.  Support of your management is required before a Pre-Ten Waiver request will be considered.

·         Private Agency: request must come through DHS Management.

·         Fax or inter office mail the request for Pre-Ten Waivers to Connie Norman at Foster Care Program Office Suite510, GrandTowerBuilding, fax number 517-241-7047.

·         Time Frames: Pre-Ten Waivers are granted for a period of 6 months at a time.  A request for extension must be made if the placement lasts over 6 months.  The extension request includes a current USP for the entire family, any reports from the residential facility and a memo outlining the need for continued treatment.

·         Payments: for Pre-Ten placements made from IVE or SWBC funds require the payment to Pend in SWSS FAJ.  Fax a SWSS FAJ produced, signed FIA 626 to Foster Care Program Office, fax number 517-241-7047 for the payment to be processed.  (SWSS FAJ Message is self- explanatory)