Youth for Tomorrow

Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

Does YFT establish the reimbursement rates for each level of care?

Answer: (Simple Response)

YFT has no authority regarding reimbursement rates. These functions are the sole responsibilities of various Texas state agencies.

(Complex Response)

This section describes the Texas Level of Care (LOC) Service System that existed in Texas from September 1, 1988, until August 31, 2003. During FY '03, this system was substantially revised by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (formerly the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services). The Texas Service System changes went into effect on September 1, 2003. Copies of the revised Texas Service System standards are available from the DFPS Residential Contract Managers.

A state agency called the Health and Human Services Coordinating Council was established in 1983 to coordinate planning and policy making for 19 health and human services agencies in Texas. The Council was chaired by the Governor; the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House served as co-chairs. Council membership included State Senators, representatives, Board Chairs of State agencies, and members of the general public.

In 1984, the Legislative Budget Board required that the Council undertake a study of residential contract child care in Texas. The Council appointed a Public-Private Policy Group to work toward development of a "continuum of care" for children and youth that had to include the following components.
  1. A common application form for agencies to use when placing children in residential care facilities that includes a mechanism to determine the appropriate level of care for each child.
  2. A system of services to children that would include definitions and standards for various levels of care and an interagency monitoring process to evaluate implementation of this system by contract residential providers.
  3. A child care provider cost report and database to assist in determining the median cost of care and to be responsible for reporting these costs to the legislature as the standard recommended payment rates.
During the next four (4) years, a group referred to as the Treatment and Care Work Committee developed a system of care that met the criteria established by the Legislative Budget Board. This system of care was called the Level of Care Service System. YFT assists DFPS with the implementation of this system of care.

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