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Policy Manual
TREATMENT
Flexible Funds

36-102
Flexible Funds for Needed Services and Goods

Policy Regional Administrators shall utilize allocated flexible funds to obtain needed services and/or goods for those areas identified in the Department's annual needs assessment.
Population Served by Flexible Funds Flexible funds may be used for the benefit of any child and/or biological, foster, relative or adoptive family that has an open case with the Department.
Annual Needs Assessment The Department shall conduct an annual needs assessment to identify possible areas for the use of flexible funds.
Criteria for Use of Flexible Funds The following criteria shall apply to the use of flexible funds:
  • Department policies and guidelines related to the services and/or goods being purchased shall be followed; e.g., policies regarding a request for respite care or day care.
  • The regional offices may purchase services and/or goods through contracted or non-contracted means.

Cross-Reference:  Policy 36-100, "Discretionary Funds"
Documentation and Tracking for All flexible Funds Each Regional Administrator shall adhere to the following documentation, approval, and tracking requirements for the use of all flexible funds:
  • Establish an annual spending plan for flexible funds after examining the statewide, targeted areas to be funded and considering regional needs.
  • Document the region's annual plan and any subsequent modifications on DCF-2231, "Spending Plan for Flexible Funding for Client Services", and submit to the Central Office Consent Decree Implementation Unit for approval.
  • Award contracted funds based on a competitive or non-competitive process.  The option to use a non-competitive process must be pre-approved by the Central Office Contracts Unit.
  • Through the region's business manager, track both the commitment and expenditure of flexible funds to ensure that the regional allocation is not exceeded.
Request for Client Services Using Non-Contracted Flexible Funds When requesting a service for a client using non-contracted flexible funds, the Social Worker shall
  • complete DCF-2232, "Request for Client Services, Non-Contracted FlexibleFunding"
  • submit DCF-2232 to the Social Work Supervisor and Program Supervisor for approval.
Reporting the Use of Non-Contracted Flexible Funds for Client Services Each Regional Administrator shall appoint a liaison who shall
  • gather the completed DCF-2232 request forms
  • by the fifth day of each month, submit all DCF-2232 request forms for the previous month to the Central Office Consent Decree Implementation Unit.
Payment Method for Non-Contracted Flexible Funds The Regional Administrator shall ensure adherence to the following payment methods for non-contracted flexible funds:
  • Follow all appropriate procedures for acquisition of goods or services prior to making a payment; e.g., obtaining bids for goods or services when required.
  • Process payments through a LINK Payment Request using the service type identified by the regional business manager.
  • Whenever possible, payments will be made directly to the vendor or provider of the goods and/or services.  Receipts are required for payments which cannot be made directly to the vendor or provider.

The regional business manager shall

  • determine whether the payment will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service as taxable income
  • ensure that the Federal Identification Number or Social Security Number is entered in LINK.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families                                             Effective Date:  November 15, 2001  (New) 

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