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 Massachusetts Placement of Children With Relatives program is a vital aspect of the state's child welfare services. Designed to prioritize the welfare and stability of children who are unable to remain with their parents, it focuses on placing them in the care of relatives or kinship caregivers. This program recognizes the importance of maintaining a child's connection to their extended family and aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their growth and development. Through the Massachusetts Placement of Children With Relatives program, various types of placements are available to suit the unique circumstances of each child. These include: 1. Kinship Guardianship: This type of placement involves transferring legal custody of the child to a relative, allowing them to assume the role of primary caregiver and decision-maker for the child's welfare. Kinship guardianship provides the child with stability and permanency, while enabling them to maintain important family connections. 2. Kinship Foster Care: In cases where legal custody remains with the state, but placement with a relative is preferred, kinship foster care is utilized. This allows a relative to become a licensed foster parent, allowing the child to reside with them while they receive support from the child welfare agency. 3. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANK) 196: Massachusetts provides assistance to eligible families who meet certain income guidelines through TANK 196. This financial aid aims to support relative caregivers in providing a secure and nurturing environment for the child. 4. Relative Support Services: To ensure successful placements, the Massachusetts Placement of Children With Relatives program offers a range of support services for relative caregivers. These services encompass financial assistance, access to healthcare, counseling, and regular monitoring and assessment of the child's well-being. 5. Adoption: In certain cases where reunification with the biological parents is not feasible, adoption by a relative is an option. Massachusetts recognizes the significance of maintaining family connections and encourages relative adoption for children who cannot return to their birth families. Adoption provides a permanent and loving family environment for the child. Relatives interested in participating in the Massachusetts Placement of Children With Relatives program must undergo a thorough assessment and approval process, which includes background checks, home studies, and training sessions. This ensures that the child's safety and well-being are paramount throughout the placement process. Overall, the Massachusetts Placement of Children With Relatives program is committed to enhancing the lives of children in need by placing them in supportive and loving kinship care arrangements. By prioritizing family connections and providing valuable resources, the program strives to give children the opportunity to thrive in a stable environment.
