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.
Puerto Rico Placement of Children With Relatives, also known as kinship care, refers to the practice of placing children who are unable to live with their biological parents in the custody of relatives or close acquaintances. This type of placement provides a supportive and familiar environment for children, aiming to maintain their family connections and minimize the disruption caused by separation. In Puerto Rico, there are several types of Placement of Children With Relatives options available, including: 1. Kinship foster care: This involves placing children with relatives who are licensed foster parents. These relatives undergo a thorough assessment process to ensure a safe and suitable environment for the child. Kinship foster care often comes with financial and supportive services to assist the relative caregiver in meeting the child's needs. 2. Kinship guardianship: When children cannot be reunified with their birth parents due to safety concerns or other factors, they may be placed under the guardianship of a relative. Kinship guardianship grants the relative legal authority and responsibility for the child's care and decision-making, providing stability and permanency. 3. Kinship adoption: In cases where parental rights are terminated, kinship adoption may be pursued. This involves a relative legally adopting the child, creating a permanent and lifelong family connection. 4. Informal kinship care: Informal kinship care refers to cases where a child is living with a relative without any formal legal arrangement or involvement of child welfare agencies. While this arrangement is informal, it can provide essential support and stability for the child in times of need. Puerto Rico recognizes the importance of maintaining the child's cultural and familial connections through kinship care, as it enhances the child's overall well-being and decreases the trauma associated with removal from their biological parents. The placement of children with relatives falls under the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico's child welfare system, which ensures the safety, well-being, and legal rights of the child are protected throughout the process. By promoting kinship care options, Puerto Rico aims to provide a nurturing and stable environment for children who cannot live with their birth parents, allowing them to maintain their sense of identity, belonging, and relationships while ensuring their physical, emotional, and educational needs are met.
