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.
Indiana Placement of Children With Relatives is a program that focuses on finding suitable families within the child's extended family or kinship network to provide care and support. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and stability of children who are unable to remain with their birth parents. The Indiana Placement of Children With Relatives program is designed to place children who cannot live with their parents due to various reasons including neglect, abuse, or parental incapacity. It prioritizes the concept of kinship care, recognizing the importance of maintaining bonds with extended family members. This approach offers numerous advantages for children, such as continuity in relationships, cultural connections, and stability. There are three types of Indiana Placement of Children With Relatives placements: 1. Formal Kinship Placement: In this type of placement, a child is formally placed with a relative who has been approved and licensed as a foster family or has legal guardianship of the child. The relative undergoes a thorough assessment, including background checks, home visits, and training, to ensure the child's safety and well-being. 2. Informal Kinship Placement: This involves placing the child with a relative without formal legal arrangements. This may occur when the child welfare system does not need to intervene formally but recognizes the relative as a suitable caregiver. Informal kinship placements are typically based on trust and cooperation between the relative and child welfare professionals. 3. Temporary Placement: When immediate safety concerns arise, and a child needs to be removed from their home environment, temporary placement with a relative is often sought. This allows the child to stay temporarily with a relative while the child welfare agency assesses the situation and explores long-term placement options. The Indiana Placement of Children With Relatives program recognizes the value of maintaining family connections and strives to provide support to relative caregivers. These caregivers may receive financial assistance, access to community resources, training, and counseling to ensure the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met. In conclusion, Indiana Placement of Children With Relatives is an essential program that prioritizes the placement of children with relatives when they cannot safely stay with their parents. It offers different types of placements, including formal kinship, informal kinship, and temporary placements, all aimed at maintaining the child's well-being within a familiar and supportive family environment.
