The voucher is proof that the child care provider will be paid. DTA child care benefits to the recipient may be terminated only by DTA and only after notice and an opportunity for an appeal hearing. Also, depending on where the recipient lives and where she needs to go for her job or activity, it may be difficult or impossible to find available child care slots that meet her family's needs and are workable in light of her commute to the job or activity, even after she has a voucher in hand. The family has the right to child care to cover the time it takes to travel to and from work or the approved activity and to and from the child care provider. The caregiver must be at least 16 years old.
Parents have the right to choose the form of child care.
In the meantime, inability to find a licensed slot for the hours needed is grounds for good cause for not meeting work or job search requirements and is a basis for seeking an extension of the time limit. Families who are having difficulty accessing child care benefits can contact the Office for Child Care Services, 626-2000. For confidential legal advice or representation, contact you local Legal Services program.