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 Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives is a legal process designed to ensure the well-being and proper care of children who cannot be raised by their biological parents. This program allows for the placement of such children with relatives who are willing and capable of providing a nurturing and stable environment for them. The main objective of the Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives is to prioritize family connections and maintain the children's sense of identity and belonging. By placing them with relatives, the program aims to promote a smoother transition and mitigate the potential emotional impact of being separated from their immediate family. There are several types of Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives that cater to different circumstances: 1. Kinship Care: Kinship care refers to placing a child with a relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling. This type of placement is prioritized when it is determined to be in the child's best interest and when the relative is deemed suitable to meet the child's needs. 2. Foster Care with Relatives: In cases where formal kinship care is not possible, the child may be placed with a relative in the foster care system. The relative becomes a licensed foster parent, providing a temporary home for the child while efforts are made to reunify them with their biological family or find a permanent placement. 3. Legal Guardianship: Legal guardianship is a more permanent arrangement where a relative assumes legal responsibility for a child. This option is suitable when the child's parents are unable or unwilling to care for their child and termination of parental rights is not pursued. 4. Relative Adoption: In cases where it is determined that the child cannot be safely returned to their biological parents, and adoption is deemed to be in their best interest, a relative may pursue adoption. This results in the child becoming a permanent member of the relative's family. The Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives program operates under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MD CPS). MD CPS works diligently to ensure that relatives interested in providing care for the children meet all necessary requirements, including a thorough background check, home study, and training. By utilizing the Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives program, the state aims to maintain family connections, prioritize the best interests of the child, and provide a safe and stable environment for children who cannot be raised by their biological parents.The Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives is a legal process designed to ensure the well-being and proper care of children who cannot be raised by their biological parents. This program allows for the placement of such children with relatives who are willing and capable of providing a nurturing and stable environment for them. The main objective of the Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives is to prioritize family connections and maintain the children's sense of identity and belonging. By placing them with relatives, the program aims to promote a smoother transition and mitigate the potential emotional impact of being separated from their immediate family. There are several types of Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives that cater to different circumstances: 1. Kinship Care: Kinship care refers to placing a child with a relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling. This type of placement is prioritized when it is determined to be in the child's best interest and when the relative is deemed suitable to meet the child's needs. 2. Foster Care with Relatives: In cases where formal kinship care is not possible, the child may be placed with a relative in the foster care system. The relative becomes a licensed foster parent, providing a temporary home for the child while efforts are made to reunify them with their biological family or find a permanent placement. 3. Legal Guardianship: Legal guardianship is a more permanent arrangement where a relative assumes legal responsibility for a child. This option is suitable when the child's parents are unable or unwilling to care for their child and termination of parental rights is not pursued. 4. Relative Adoption: In cases where it is determined that the child cannot be safely returned to their biological parents, and adoption is deemed to be in their best interest, a relative may pursue adoption. This results in the child becoming a permanent member of the relative's family. The Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives program operates under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MD CPS). MD CPS works diligently to ensure that relatives interested in providing care for the children meet all necessary requirements, including a thorough background check, home study, and training. By utilizing the Mississippi Placement of Children With Relatives program, the state aims to maintain family connections, prioritize the best interests of the child, and provide a safe and stable environment for children who cannot be raised by their biological parents.