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Becoming a Contracted Provider with a SSCC
- Jul 17
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Learn how to contract with a SSCC in Texas after becoming licensed and find current SSCC application links and contacts for every active Texas foster care region.
Table of Contents
Getting Started: What Is a SSCC?
Receiving your Texas foster care license is a major milestone, but it is not the final step toward serving children. To receive referrals, most organizations must also establish a contract with the appropriate Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) operating within their Community-Based Care (CBC) region.
A SSCC (Single Source Continuum Contractor) is the organization responsible for coordinating foster care services within a designated Community-Based Care region. Each SSCC builds and manages a network of providers that deliver foster care services within its assigned region. The Community-Based Care model is being implemented statewide in phases, with legislation directing expansion across Texas through 2029. Under this model, each community area is served by one lead contractor responsible for coordinating foster care services and provider networks.
SSCC responsibilities include:
Building provider networks
Identifying regional service gaps
Contracting with foster care organizations
Coordinating foster care placements
Monitoring provider performance
Supporting quality improvement across their region
Licensing Is the First Step Toward Placements
One of the biggest surprises for newer foster care organizations is discovering that receiving a license does not automatically result in children being placed in their program.
Being licensed is the first step, but becoming a part of a SSCC provider network gives you:
Placement referrals
Network participation
Regional contracts
Consistent census
Immediate occupancy
Licensing simply means your organization has met the minimum regulatory requirements to operate.
To begin receiving referrals, your organization will become part of a SSCC's provider network. Think of licensing as opening your doors. Contracting with a SSCC is what allows children to begin walking through them.
How to Contract with a SSCC in Texas
Rather than every provider working directly with DFPS for placement coordination, each SSCC manages its own provider network. Although, each SSCC has its own contracting process, most follow a similar path.
Step 1: Submit an Inquiry
Most SSCC's request organizations to submit an inquiry. This inquiry can be through the format of an online application, requesting a virtual introductory meeting, or emailing SSCC personnel.
Step 2: Complete and Provide Requested Items
Most SSCCs ask organizations to submit:
Provider profile
Organization information
Licensing documentation
Program descriptions
Capacity information
After submission, your application is typically reviewed by the Provider Relations team.
They evaluate:
Services offered
Program capacity
Geographic coverage
Licensing status
Organizational readiness
Alignment with current regional needs
Step 3: Executing the SSCC Contract
Next, your organization will review and execute a contract with a specific SSCC.
This part of the process may include:
Contract execution
Policy review
Data exchange requirements
Training
Case management system expectations
Placement procedures
Step 4: Begin Receiving Referrals
Once onboarding is complete, placement referrals may begin.
However, referrals depend on several factors, including:
Your approved service types
Available capacity
Geographic location
Current demand
Specialized programming
Existing provider availability
Being contracted does not necessarily mean referrals begin immediately.
Determining which SSCC to Contract with
As a best practice, organizations should first pursue contracts within:
Their home region
Neighboring regions
Areas where travel and staffing remain sustainable
As a best practice, organizations should consider the primary goal of community-based care: keeping children in their communities of origin. Consider partnering with the SSCC of your geographical region, and explore SSCC's of your neighboring geographical regions. Cross-region contracting certainly occurs.
SSCC Provider Contacts & Application Links by Region
Below are current provider contacts and application resources for active Community-Based Care regions.
Region 1 — Saint Francis
Region 2 — 2INgage
Note: Regions 2 and 3E often coordinate due to their relationship with Texas Family Initiative (TFI), and some contracts may be recognized across both service areas.
Region 3E — (Empower will no longer be serving Region 3E)
Our Community Our Kids (OCOK) & Texas Family Care Network (TFCN) will be serving Region 3E.
Region 3W — Our Community Our Kids (OCOK)
Region 4 — 4Kids4Families
Region 5 — Texas Family Care Network
Regions 6A & 6B — Texans Together
Newsletter available on the Texans Together website.
Regions 8A & 8B — Belong (SJRC Texas)
No public online provider application is currently available. Belong generally begins with a virtual introductory meeting to determine alignment before issuing application materials. Newsletter available through the SJRC Texas website.
Additional Opportunity for RTC Providers
How Rock Solid Foundation Helps
Understanding Texas Community-Based Care is one thing. Successfully navigating it is another.
Rock Solid Foundation helps organizations:
Identify the best regions for expansion
Understand SSCC expectations
Prepare for provider contracting
Align services with regional demand
Develop long-term growth strategies
Implement technology that supports compliance and operational excellence
Whether you're launching a new foster care organization, expanding into additional Community-Based Care regions, or looking to strengthen relationships with your current SSCC, our team has experience helping providers successfully navigate the Texas foster care system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do Texas foster care providers contract with?
Most foster care providers contract with the Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) responsible for the Community-Based Care region where they operate. The SSCC manages provider networks, coordinates placements, and oversees regional foster care services.
How do foster care organizations get placements in Texas?
Organizations typically receive placements after becoming licensed, completing the SSCC contracting process, and joining the provider network. Placements are based on service offerings, available capacity, geographic location, and current regional demand.
What is an SSCC in Texas foster care?
An SSCC, or Single Source Continuum Contractor, is the lead organization responsible for coordinating foster care services, building provider networks, and managing placements within a Texas Community-Based Care region.
Why am I not getting referrals from my SSCC?
Referral volume depends on many factors, including current regional demand, available capacity, specialization, geographic location, and whether your services align with the needs of children entering care. Being contracted does not guarantee immediate or continuous placements.
Can I contract with more than one SSCC?
Yes. Many organizations, particularly GROs and RTCs, pursue contracts in multiple Community-Based Care regions. However, most providers begin with their home region and adjacent areas before expanding.
Ready to Build Stronger SSCC Partnerships?
Getting licensed is just the beginning. Successfully contracting with an SSCC requires understanding regional expectations, aligning your services with community needs, and preparing your organization for long-term success.
Whether you're launching a new foster care organization, expanding into additional Texas regions, or looking to strengthen your existing SSCC relationships, Rock Solid Foundation is here to help every step of the way.
Our team can help you:
Identify the best regions for your organization
Prepare for SSCC contracting and provider onboarding
Align your programs with regional service demand
Navigate Texas Child-Centered Care (T3C) requirements
Implement CaseBook to support compliance, documentation, and growth
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