DHS News
What is the DHS Integrated Child Care Program?
The Department of Human Services (DHS) (formally know as Adult and Family Services (AFS)) helps some low-income parents pay for child care. These are parents or caretakers who need child care because they are employed or preparing for employment. Parents apply for child care assistance, or subsidy, at a local DHS office in their area. The amount of the subsidy is based on a number of factors, including the family’s income, type of child care and how many hours of care are needed.
If the parent is eligible, the subsidy is paid directly to the child care provider by the Direct Pay Unit (DPU) in Salem. Providers must be “listed” with DPU before a payment can be issued. For more information please call Lane Family Connection, or go to the DHS Child Care Co-Payment Calculation website.
DHS “Listed” and “Enhanced” Providers
Any type of child care provider who is operating legally can become “listed” with the State of Oregon, Department of Human Services (DHS) as long as they can pass the Criminal History check and the Health and Safety Standards required by the Department. “Listing” with the Department of Human Services enables the State to directly pay child care providers a fee for child care services performed on behalf of a family who is eligible for child care benefits. The rate paid to the provider is based on a “Market Rate Survey” which is performed by the child care resource and referral program in each County and the number of hours each family is eligible for benefits. “Listed” providers can become “Enhanced” DHS providers by meeting the standards required to become regulated. “Enhanced” DHS providers receive a higher rate of pay. Visit the DHS child care eligibility website for more information.
