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.
Virginia Placement of Children With Relatives (VCR) is a child welfare program that focuses on ensuring the safety, well-being, and permanency of children who cannot remain with their birth parents. This program recognizes the importance of maintaining family connections and strives to place children with relatives whenever possible. VCR operates under the Department of Social Services in Virginia and plays a crucial role in protecting the best interests of children in need of care. It is designed to provide a safe and stable environment for children by placing them in the care of relatives who meet specified criteria. There are different types of Virginia Placement of Children With Relatives, depending on the circumstances and best interests of the child. These may include: 1. Kinship Foster Care: In situations where children can no longer live with their parents due to abuse, neglect, or other factors, relatives can be identified as potential foster parents. Kinship foster care recognizes the importance of preserving existing family relationships and offers children the opportunity to stay within their extended family. 2. Kinship Guardianship: When it is determined that reunification with birth parents is not feasible or in the best interest of the child, kinship guardianship may be considered. This type of placement provides stability and permanency by granting relatives legal custody of the child until they reach adulthood. Kinship guardians are responsible for the child's day-to-day care, education, and decision-making. 3. Adoption by Relatives: In cases where the birth parents' rights are terminated, adoption by relatives may be pursued. Adoption ensures that the child becomes a legal member of the relative's family, allowing for lifelong permanency and stability. 4. Relatives as Supportive Adults: In situations where the child cannot be placed directly with a relative, they might still play a significant role in the child's life by becoming a supportive adult. These relatives provide emotional support, mentorship, and advocacy to the child while they are in foster care or other placement options. The Virginia Placement of Children With Relatives program aims to mitigate the emotional trauma experienced by children removed from their birth parents while prioritizing their well-being and cultural continuity. By placing children with relatives, this program recognizes the importance of maintaining family bonds and offers a supportive network for both the child and the relative caregiver.
