As in effect on June 1, 2008
A. The purpose of Kinship care is to:
1. make it possible for children who cannot remain safely at home to live with persons they may already know and trust;
2. reduce the trauma children may experience when placed with a non-relative caregiver who is not known to the child;
3. maintain children's family history, culture, and sense of identity;
4. assist families to consider and rely on family resources and strengths; and
5. support families to provide children the support they need.
b. Pursuant to Sections 62A-4a-209 and 78-3a-307, the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) is authorized to provide kinship placements and services.
A. Relatives will be considered for an emergency kinship placement when they meet the requirements of Sections 62A-4a-209 and 78-3a-307 and the following:
1. When the relative agrees to care for the child on an emergency basis under the following conditions:
a. The relative agrees not to allow the custodial parent or guardian to have any unauthorized contact with the child to contact law enforcement and DCFS if the custodial parent or guardian attempts to make unauthorized contact with the child;
b. The relative will agree not to talk to the child about the events that led to the removal, if the child wishes to talk about the events leading to the removal, refer to a therapist or other trusted individual who is not the relative caregiver;
c. The relative has been informed and understands that while they may be asked to be a potential long-term placement, DCFS will continue to search for other possible potential kinship placements for long-term care, if needed;
d. The relative is willing to assist the custodial parent or guardian in reunification efforts at the request of DCFS and to follow all court orders.
B. Criteria for an emergency kinship placement:
1. A relative will be considered as an emergency placement only if willing to provide the following:
a. Full names of all persons living in their household, including maiden names;
b. Social Security Numbers for all persons living in the household;
c. driver licenses or other identification for all persons living in the household, as applicable.
C. Assessment -- Non-custodial Parent
1. The region in which the non-custodial parent resides will conduct an assessment of the non- custodial parent as follows:
a. home inspection that will assess space, accommodations, and safety.
b. interview of the non-custodial parent to determine the following:
i. nature and quality of the relationship between the child and non-custodial parent;
ii. ability and desire to protect the child from further abuse and neglect.
D. The DCFS worker will interview the child (when age appropriate) regarding the child's relationship and comfort level with the non-custodial parent.
E. Deciding between Relatives.
1. If more than one relative requests consideration for temporary or permanent placement of the child, the DCFS worker:
a. Will provide each relative with specific information on the methods and criteria used to assess suitability of a relative's home for the placement of the child;
b. May conduct a child and family team meeting for the purpose of assisting the relatives to come to consensus regarding which relative would be the most appropriate placement for the child;
c. Will determine which relative has the closest existing personal relationship with the child before making the recommendation to the court.
d. Will determine which placement should be made and make a recommendation to the court consistent with that determination.
child welfare, kinship
September 3, 2003
62A-4a-209; 78-3a-307
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