This publication summarizes state laws and statutes regarding placement of children with relatives when they are removed from their home and enter foster care. In order for states to receive federal payments for foster care and adoption assistance, federal law requires that they "consider giving preference to an adult relative over a nonrelated caregiver when determining placement for a child, provided that the relative caregiver meets all relevant state child protection standards." Most states give preference or priority to relative placements in their statutes. This publication discusses definitions of "relative," financial support for relative placement, and adoption by relatives.
The District of Columbia Placement of Children With Relatives is a program designed to provide safe and stable homes for children who cannot safely live with their parents. This program recognizes the importance of maintaining familial connections and ensures that children are placed with relatives whenever possible. Under the District of Columbia Placement of Children With Relatives program, there are several types of placements available: 1. Kinship Foster Care: This type of placement involves placing a child with a relative who is willing and able to provide a nurturing environment. Kinship foster care allows children to maintain close ties with their family while ensuring their safety and well-being. The relative caregiver must meet certain requirements and undergo a thorough assessment process to become a licensed kinship foster caregiver. 2. Kinship Guardianship: In cases where it is determined that reunification with the child's parents is not possible or in the child's best interest, kinship guardianship may be established. This arrangement grants legal custody and guardianship to the relative caregiver, providing a permanent and stable home for the child. Kinship guardianship allows the child to maintain their familial connections and provides the caregiver with the necessary legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the child. 3. Kinship Adoption: Kinship adoption occurs when a relative becomes the legal adoptive parent of a child who cannot return to their birth parents. Kinship adoption provides a permanent and legally binding relationship between the child and the relative caregiver, ensuring that the child has a forever family. Through kinship adoption, the child becomes a permanent member of their relative's family, and the relative assumes all parental rights and responsibilities. The District of Columbia Placement of Children With Relatives program prioritizes the placement of children with relatives over non-relatives whenever possible. The program aims to promote family stability, maintain cultural and familial connections, and provide children with a nurturing and familiar environment. By utilizing kinship foster care, kinship guardianship, and kinship adoption, the District of Columbia ensures that children in need have the opportunity to grow and thrive within their extended family networks.
