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.
Illinois Placement of Children With Relatives refers to a legal process that allows the state of Illinois to place children in the care and custody of relatives when it has been determined that parental care is not in the child's best interest. This placement option prioritizes the child's well-being and aims to maintain their stability and positive connections with extended family members. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (CFS) is responsible for overseeing and facilitating placements with relatives for children who are involved in the child welfare system. This process is governed by state laws and regulations to ensure the safety and welfare of the child. There are several types of placement options available when considering placement of children with relatives in Illinois: 1. Kinship Foster Care: In cases where children cannot remain with their parents, they may be placed with relatives who have been approved to serve as foster parents. These relatives go through a rigorous assessment process to determine their suitability and ability to provide a safe and nurturing home environment for the child. 2. Guardianship: Guardianship is a legal arrangement that transfers both the legal and physical custody of the child to a relative. This option provides the relative with the authority and responsibility to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing, education, healthcare, and overall well-being. 3. Adoption: In certain instances, when it has been determined that reunification with the birth parents is not possible or in the child's best interest, a relative may choose to adopt the child. Adoption permanently establishes a legal parent-child relationship between the relative and the child, providing them with all the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent. 4. Supervised Placement: In some cases, when there are concerns about a relative's ability to provide a safe environment, CFS may opt for a supervised placement. This means that the placement is monitored closely by a caseworker to ensure the child's safety and well-being. It offers support services to the relative caregivers and provides regular check-ins to assess the child's progress. 5. Concurrent Planning: Concurrent planning involves placing the child with a relative who is willing to foster initially but is also open to adopting the child if reunification efforts with the birth parents fail. This approach allows for a smoother transition in the event that parental rights are terminated and ensures that the child's permanency needs are consistently met. It is important to note that all placements of children with relatives in Illinois prioritize the child's best interests. CFS conducts thorough assessments to determine the suitability and preparedness of relatives to provide a safe and permanent home for the child. Regular monitoring and support services are put in place to assist the relatives in meeting the child's needs and promoting their overall well-being.Illinois Placement of Children With Relatives refers to a legal process that allows the state of Illinois to place children in the care and custody of relatives when it has been determined that parental care is not in the child's best interest. This placement option prioritizes the child's well-being and aims to maintain their stability and positive connections with extended family members. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (CFS) is responsible for overseeing and facilitating placements with relatives for children who are involved in the child welfare system. This process is governed by state laws and regulations to ensure the safety and welfare of the child. There are several types of placement options available when considering placement of children with relatives in Illinois: 1. Kinship Foster Care: In cases where children cannot remain with their parents, they may be placed with relatives who have been approved to serve as foster parents. These relatives go through a rigorous assessment process to determine their suitability and ability to provide a safe and nurturing home environment for the child. 2. Guardianship: Guardianship is a legal arrangement that transfers both the legal and physical custody of the child to a relative. This option provides the relative with the authority and responsibility to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing, education, healthcare, and overall well-being. 3. Adoption: In certain instances, when it has been determined that reunification with the birth parents is not possible or in the child's best interest, a relative may choose to adopt the child. Adoption permanently establishes a legal parent-child relationship between the relative and the child, providing them with all the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent. 4. Supervised Placement: In some cases, when there are concerns about a relative's ability to provide a safe environment, CFS may opt for a supervised placement. This means that the placement is monitored closely by a caseworker to ensure the child's safety and well-being. It offers support services to the relative caregivers and provides regular check-ins to assess the child's progress. 5. Concurrent Planning: Concurrent planning involves placing the child with a relative who is willing to foster initially but is also open to adopting the child if reunification efforts with the birth parents fail. This approach allows for a smoother transition in the event that parental rights are terminated and ensures that the child's permanency needs are consistently met. It is important to note that all placements of children with relatives in Illinois prioritize the child's best interests. CFS conducts thorough assessments to determine the suitability and preparedness of relatives to provide a safe and permanent home for the child. Regular monitoring and support services are put in place to assist the relatives in meeting the child's needs and promoting their overall well-being.