Permanent Legal Custodianship (PLC) is a permanency plan option for a child in substitute care placement. PLC may be appropriate for some children who cannot be reunited with their parents or for whom adoption is not possible.
PLC does not require parental consent and parental rights need not be terminated. Once the court has awarded custody to a permanent legal custodian, the child is no longer considered in substitute care. The legal custodian may be paid a subsidy.
If a child is determined ineligible for Title IV-E (Federal) Subsidized Permanent Legal Custodianship (SPLC), the County Children and Youth Agency (CCYA) will determine if the child is eligible for State SPLC.
For a child determined eligible for Title IV-E SPLC by the CCYA, the child is automatically eligible for MA and the CAO will authorize MA in the appropriate category/program status code – PC 37.
A child eligible for State/County SPLC is not automatically eligible for MA. They must meet eligibility criteria in order for MA to be authorized. Eligibility is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) methodology. The child is considered a household of one. See MAEH Chapter 312, Appendix A for applicable MAGI income limits.
CCYA Reponsibilities
Determine the child's eligibility for Title IV-E SPLC or State SPLC.
Complete the CY 61C and the CY 60 and send the forms to the CAO.
The CCYA will contact the CAO using the CY 60 indicating Subsidized Permanent Legal Custodianship release.
CAO Responsibilities
The CAO will complete the CY 60 and return it to the CCYA.
The CAO will review the child for continuing MA. The subsidy payment is not considered income to the child and so is not counted when determining the child’s eligibility for MA.
If the child is found eligible, the CAO will authorize MA in the appropriate category and program status code.
Coverage for PLC will end at age 18 unless the child is eligible for extension of coverage until age 21 as indicated by the CCYA.
Pa. C.S. §§ 6351(a)(2) & 6351(a)(2.1)
Revised July 8, 2024, replacing July 30, 2013