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.
The Idaho Placement of Children With Relatives is a program designed to ensure the well-being and stability of children who cannot be cared for by their parents. This placement option prioritizes the placement of children with relatives or kinship caregivers when they cannot remain with their birth parents. The Idaho Placement of Children With Relatives program recognizes the importance of maintaining family connections and provides an alternative to foster care placement. By placing children with relatives, the program aims to provide a more familiar and supportive environment for children, reducing the trauma and disruption they may experience by being separated from their birth families. There are different types of Idaho Placement of Children With Relatives, including: 1. Informal Placement: This occurs when a relative or kinship caregiver takes in the child without involving the child welfare system. It may happen when parents are unable to care for their child temporarily, such as during a medical emergency or rehabilitation program. 2. Formal Kinship Care: This involves the legal placement of a child with a relative or kinship caregiver through the child welfare system. Formal kinship care requires the involvement of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which assesses the relative's suitability and provides necessary support services. 3. License-exempt Relative Placement: In situations where the child welfare system determines that a child needs to be removed from their parents' care due to safety concerns, a relative or kinship caregiver can provide temporary care without obtaining a foster care license. These placements follow specific rules and regulations to ensure the child's safety and well-being. 4. Licensed Kinship Foster Care: If a relative or kinship caregiver wants to provide care for a child on an ongoing basis, they may choose to become licensed as a kinship foster care provider. This option requires meeting certain licensing requirements, including background checks, home inspections, and completion of training programs. 5. Guardianship: In some cases, when it is determined that a child cannot be reunited with their birth parents, a relative or kinship caregiver may seek guardianship. Guardianship grants legal custody and responsibilities for the child while maintaining family connections, usually until the child reaches adulthood. The Idaho Placement of Children With Relatives program aims to place children in the least restrictive environment within their extended family network, considering the child's safety, well-being, and best interests. It recognizes that maintaining familial relationships can help children maintain their cultural identity, stability, and emotional security.The Idaho Placement of Children With Relatives is a program designed to ensure the well-being and stability of children who cannot be cared for by their parents. This placement option prioritizes the placement of children with relatives or kinship caregivers when they cannot remain with their birth parents. The Idaho Placement of Children With Relatives program recognizes the importance of maintaining family connections and provides an alternative to foster care placement. By placing children with relatives, the program aims to provide a more familiar and supportive environment for children, reducing the trauma and disruption they may experience by being separated from their birth families. There are different types of Idaho Placement of Children With Relatives, including: 1. Informal Placement: This occurs when a relative or kinship caregiver takes in the child without involving the child welfare system. It may happen when parents are unable to care for their child temporarily, such as during a medical emergency or rehabilitation program. 2. Formal Kinship Care: This involves the legal placement of a child with a relative or kinship caregiver through the child welfare system. Formal kinship care requires the involvement of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, which assesses the relative's suitability and provides necessary support services. 3. License-exempt Relative Placement: In situations where the child welfare system determines that a child needs to be removed from their parents' care due to safety concerns, a relative or kinship caregiver can provide temporary care without obtaining a foster care license. These placements follow specific rules and regulations to ensure the child's safety and well-being. 4. Licensed Kinship Foster Care: If a relative or kinship caregiver wants to provide care for a child on an ongoing basis, they may choose to become licensed as a kinship foster care provider. This option requires meeting certain licensing requirements, including background checks, home inspections, and completion of training programs. 5. Guardianship: In some cases, when it is determined that a child cannot be reunited with their birth parents, a relative or kinship caregiver may seek guardianship. Guardianship grants legal custody and responsibilities for the child while maintaining family connections, usually until the child reaches adulthood. The Idaho Placement of Children With Relatives program aims to place children in the least restrictive environment within their extended family network, considering the child's safety, well-being, and best interests. It recognizes that maintaining familial relationships can help children maintain their cultural identity, stability, and emotional security.
