If no, the following must be provided:

1. Reason the parent is not available and
2. Paperwork verifying reason parent is not available and
3. Paperwork verifying you are the person responsible for the child.

See Loco Parentis chart below for acceptable documentation.
Send documentation to easttexas.ccs.customers@gmail.com, or fax it to 1-888-977-1693. Once documentation is received, we will contact you should we have any questions.

In Loco Parentis Matrix

Reason Parent is Unavailable	Documentation Verifying Reason Parent is Unavailable	Documentation Verifying Caretaker is Responsible for the Child
Medical Incapacitation or In Treatment or Rehabilitatione	A document from a licensed medical professional, e.g., physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist, stating the medical condition that makes the parent unable to care for his or her children. OR A document from a licensed professional such as a counselor or therapist is an acceptable alternative as long as the recommendation or diagnosis does not exceed the licensed professional’s authority If the parent is in a treatment or rehabilitation center, a letter from the facility verifying admission must be signed by an authorized representative of the facility and include both the admission and anticipated release date. A copy of the order mandating the placement will suffice.	A caretaker must have a notarized power of attorney or a sworn affidavit of temporary custody/guardianship of the child.
Child Protective Services (CPS) Placement	A recent (within six months) CPS safety plan or CPS placement agreement; A court order naming the individual as the caretaker; or A letter from CPS that confirms the children’s placement with the caretaker is ongoing.	No other documentation is necessary.
Military Deployment	Military orders; or A suitable alternative such as a confirmation by the base commander or other military official.	A military power of attorney appointing the caretaker as the guardian of the child. OR In lieu of a military power of attorney, a military family plan that gives the caretaker the authority to execute decisions on child care matters.
Incarcerated	A “commitment” order from the court; Verification from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Offender Information Search database(http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/offender_information.h tm) for offenders who are incarcerated in a TDCJ facility; or A letter from the sheriff’s office confirming incarceration if the parent is in a local jail. The document must include the date of incarceration and anticipated release date.	A caretaker must have a notarized power of attorney or a sworn affidavit of temporary custody/guardianship of the child.
Other Reasons Parent or Legal Guardian is Unavailable	A sworn affidavit of facts attesting to: the circumstances of how and why the caretaker assumed responsibility for the child; the whereabouts of the natural parent(s); the caretaker’s relationship to the child; and the length of time the child has been with the caretaker.	A caretaker must have a notarized power of attorney or a sworn affidavit of temporary custody/guardianship of the child. In addition, the caretaker must have documentation from a verifiable source that establishes his or her parental responsibility for the child. The documentation may be one of the following: the caretaker's most recent IRS tax return listing child as a dependent; a letter from a child care center or other independent, non-relative, verifiable source that can establish the individual’s parental and financial responsibility for the child; a letter from an independent school district; or documentation that the caretaker is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits on behalf of the child, or has received benefits within the past six months.