The basic maintenance payment level 1 is paid to foster parents depending upon the ages of the children and youth. In addition, there are six levels of supplemental payments paid to foster parents who care for children or youth with varying degrees of physical, mental health, or behavioral needs that require increased effort, care, or supervision. The standardized assessment tool must be used to determine the appropriate level for payment based on available information regarding children's or youth's needs, regardless of the foster home they are placed in. Children or youth will be assessed and paid at the highest level they qualify for. Children or youth assessed at:

(1) Level 1: Receive the basic foster care maintenance rate. The payment is based on the child's or youth's needs, who are developing comparably to children or youth in the same age range. The payments are based on three age categories:

(a) Birth to five years old;

(b) Six to 11 years old; or

(c) Twelve to 20 years old.

(2) Level 2: Require more support from foster parents due to the youth being 12 years of age or older. The payment is based on the youth's needs, who are developing comparably to youth in the same age range.

(3) Level 3: Are diagnosed by a licensed health care provider with at least one chronic medical condition that requires more support from foster parents due to the severity of their needs. Children and youth in this level only have chronic medical conditions and do not have other conditions that would put them in a different level of care.

(4) Level 4: Are diagnosed by a licensed health care provider with a developmental disability that requires more support from foster parents due to the severity of their behaviors and needs. Children and youth in this level only have a diagnosed developmental disability and do not have other conditions that would put them in a different level of care.

(5) Level 5: Are diagnosed by a licensed health care provider with a developmental disability and have at least one chronic health condition. Children or youth in this level will not have any other conditions that would put them in a different level of care.

(6) Level 6: Have a current mental health diagnosis by a licensed health care provider or current prescription medication to assist with their mental health diagnosis.

(7) Level 7: Have complex mental health needs and need more support to help stabilize and keep the child or youth safe.