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.
Louisiana Placement of Children With Relatives is a program established to ensure the well-being and stability of children who are unable to live with their parents or legal guardians. This program prioritizes placing children with relatives or suitable family members to maintain their connection with their extended family and cultural heritage. There are different types of Louisiana Placement of Children With Relatives, including: 1. Kinship Foster Care: This form of placement involves placing the child with a relative who is willing and able to meet the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs. Kinship foster care allows children to reside with family members rather than being placed in a traditional foster care setting. 2. Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (Kin GAP): Kin GAP provides support to eligible relatives who become legal guardians of children through the child welfare system. This program aims to ensure a stable and permanent family environment for the child, allowing them to grow and thrive within their extended family unit. 3. Family Preservation Services: This type of placement focuses on supporting the reunification of a child with their birth parents. Efforts are made to address and resolve concerns that led to the child's removal, while also involving suitable relative placements as a part of the reunification plan. 4. Permanency Guardianship Program: This program offers guardianship as a permanent solution for children who cannot return to their birth parents. Relatives willing to assume legal guardianship provide a stable and secure home environment, offering lifelong support and stability to the child. 5. Adoption by Relatives: In cases where reunification is not feasible or in the best interests of the child, adoption by relatives may be considered. It involves the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities to the relative, ensuring a permanent and loving family for the child. The Louisiana Placement of Children With Relatives program aims to protect and nurture children by placing them in the care of their relatives whenever possible. By maintaining their connections to their extended family, these placement options promote stability, continuity, and a sense of belonging for the child, even when their birth parents are unable to provide adequate care.
