38-147. Same; duties of secretary of SRS; reimbursement of costs; counseling and ancillary or support services; medical assistance. By January 1, 2007, and subject to the provisions of appropriation acts, the secretary:

(a) Shall reimburse grandparents in the program for the cost of the care of the grandchild in the amount of $200 per grandchild per month but not to exceed a total of $600 per month. Such reimbursements shall not be considered income in determining eligibility for public assistance benefits under other state programs and, to the extent allowed by federal law, under federal programs, with the exception of temporary assistance for needy families which may not be received for those same grandchildren. Grandparents in the program shall continue to receive reimbursement until the child reaches the age of 18 or the age of 21, if such child is in full-time attendance at a secondary school, postsecondary educational institution as defined by K.S.A. 74-3201b, and amendments thereto, or an institution as defined by K.S.A. 74-32,163, and amendments thereto, or is in a state accredited job training program. Grandparents annually shall submit to the secretary a sworn statement that the child is living with and receiving support from the grandparents. A child attending a postsecondary educational institution or an institution shall be considered as living with the grandparents. The parent of any child receiving or for which assistance is received through the program shall remain liable for the support of the child as required by law;

(b) may provide continuing counseling for the child and grandparent under the program;

(c) may provide ancillary or support services including, but not limited to, respite care, child care, clothing allowances, parenting skills training, childhood immunizations and other health screening and transportation assistance. Eligibility for services pursuant to the program shall be based on the same eligibility criteria used for other benefits provided by the department; and

(d) may provide a medical card and other medical assistance to each child under the program.

History: L. 2006, ch. 208, § 6; July 1.