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.
Keywords: New Hampshire, Placement of Children With Relatives, types Title: New Hampshire Placement of Children With Relatives: Detailed Description and Types Introduction: The New Hampshire Placement of Children With Relatives program aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children who cannot stay with their parents. This comprehensive program recognizes the importance of maintaining familial connections and strives to place children with their relatives whenever possible. In this article, we will provide a detailed description of the program and discuss its various types. Overview of New Hampshire Placement of Children With Relatives: The New Hampshire Placement of Children With Relatives program is part of the state's effort to prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of children who temporarily or permanently cannot reside with their parents. This program focuses on identifying suitable relatives who can offer a stable, loving environment for these children, ensuring they continue to grow in a familiar and supportive family setting. Types of New Hampshire Placement of Children With Relatives: 1. Kinship Foster Care: Kinship foster care involves the placement of children with relatives who are licensed foster parents. In this type of placement, the relatives are approved by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to become foster parents, ensuring that the children receive necessary care, supervision, and support. 2. Kinship Guardianship: Kinship guardianship refers to the legal arrangement where a relative assumes legal custody of a child, thereby providing them with a permanent living situation. This type of placement is aimed at providing long-term stability and continuity for children by allowing them to remain with their relatives. 3. Kinship Assistance: Kinship assistance offers financial support to relatives who are caring for children but do not have legal custody, such as in cases of informal placement. The financial assistance helps these relatives meet the child's basic needs by providing resources for food, clothing, shelter, and other essential expenses. Benefits of New Hampshire Placement of Children With Relatives: 1. Preservation of Family Connections: Placing children with relatives helps maintain important familial ties, ensuring a sense of belonging and identity for the child while preserving family traditions, values, and cultural heritage. 2. Continuity and Stability: Placement with relatives offers children a familiar and safe environment, reducing the trauma associated with sudden changes in living arrangements. This stability promotes healthy emotional and cognitive development. 3. Higher Success Rates: Studies have shown that children placed with relatives experience better outcomes in terms of educational attainment, mental health, and overall wellbeing compared to children placed in non-relative foster care. Conclusion: New Hampshire Placement of Children With Relatives is a vital program that recognizes the importance of maintaining family connections and providing stable environments for children who cannot live with their parents. By offering various types of placement options, such as kinship foster care, kinship guardianship, and kinship assistance, the program aims to ensure the best possible outcomes for these children, allowing them to thrive within their extended families.
