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.
Guam Placement of Children With Relatives refers to a specific legal process and practice in Guam where children are placed under the care and custody of relatives when their parents are unable to fulfill their parental responsibilities. This arrangement ensures that the children receive necessary care and support within their extended family while maintaining their cultural identity and connections. The Guam Placement of Children With Relatives process involves various steps to ensure the well-being and best interests of the children. This involves assessment and evaluation of the prospective relatives as potential caregivers, including their living environment, financial stability, ability to provide proper care, and willingness to comply with the requirements set forth by the legal system. There are different types of Guam Placement of Children With Relatives, depending on the specific circumstances and needs of the children involved. These may include: 1. Emergency Placement: When there is an immediate and urgent need to remove a child from their parents' custody due to abuse, neglect, or other dangerous situations, they can be placed temporarily with suitable relatives while awaiting further legal proceedings. 2. Kinship Foster Care: In situations where the parents' abilities to care for their children are severely impaired, children can be placed in the care of their relatives for a more extended period. This type of placement combines the roles of both caregiver and foster parents, as relatives are responsible for meeting the children's day-to-day needs while complying with foster care regulations. 3. Guardianship: In certain cases where parental rights may be terminated, or the parents are unable to resume their responsibilities in the foreseeable future, the court may grant legal guardianship to relatives. This gives the relatives more permanent authority over the children's upbringing and enables them to make important decisions on their behalf. 4. Adoption: In exceptional cases where parental rights are permanently terminated, adoption by relatives can provide a stable and permanent family environment. Adoption legally establishes the relatives as the children's parents, severing ties with the birth parents. It is important to note that Guam Placement of Children With Relatives prioritizes maintaining family connections and preserving the children's cultural heritage whenever possible. The goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable environment within the extended family network, ensuring the children's well-being and healthy development.
