Section 117.305  Eligibility determination process

The eligibility determination process for the Family Assistance Program shall be conducted as follows:

a)         Documentation of severe or profound mental retardation shall be in accordance with Section 117.140(c).

b)         Documentation of a severe emotional disturbance shall be based on a comprehensive, documented evaluation by a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who shall verify that the child has a primary diagnosis which meets the DSM-III-R criteria of a mental disorder with onset in childhood or adolescence (excluding V-codes, adjustment disorders, mental retardation when no other mental disorder is present, or other forms of dementia based on organic, physical or alcohol/substance abuse disorders).  A child who suffers from this severe disability requires sustained treatment intervention for a year or more and generally requires attention from two or more agencies.  The child must meet DSM-III-R Axis V criteria of severe functional impairment (a score of 40 or below on the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF Scale) contained in the DSM-III-R) and must be experiencing significant limitations of major life activities in his or her capacity for living in a family or family equivalent and in two or more of the following areas (not to include impairment in functioning due to physical or environment limitation):

1)         Self-care at an appropriate developmental level;

2)         Perceptive and expressive language;

3)         Learning; or

4)         Social interaction and self-direction, including behavioral controls, decision-making, judgment and value systems at an appropriate developmental level.

c)         Documentation of severe autism shall be in accordance with Section 117.140(e).

d)         Documentation of severe and multiple impairments shall be in accordance with Section 117.140(f).

e)         Families shall submit, with documentation of the child's severe disability, verification of income in accordance with Section 117.300(b)(3).