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.
North Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives is a legal process or system that focuses on the placement of children who are in need of out-of-home care with relatives residing within the state of North Carolina. This program aims to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for children who are unable to live with their biological parents. The primary goal of North Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives is to prioritize family connections and kinship relationships in the child welfare system. By placing children with relatives, the program recognizes the importance of maintaining existing familial bonds and providing a familiar and supportive setting for the child. This placement option is intended to ensure that children have access to a nurturing family environment while going through difficult circumstances. The North Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives program offers various types of placement options to best suit the needs of children and relatives involved. These placements can include: 1. Informal Kinship Care: This refers to a voluntary arrangement where a child lives with a relative without the involvement of the child welfare system. Informal kinship care can occur when parents are unable to provide suitable care for their child, and a relative steps in to ensure their well-being. 2. Licensed Kinship Care: When the child welfare system becomes involved, relatives can choose to become licensed foster parents specifically for the child in their care. Licensing involves meeting specific requirements, such as completing training, undergoing background checks, and meeting home safety standards. 3. Guardianship: In cases where it is not possible for a child to reunify with their parents or be adopted, the court may consider granting guardianship to a relative. Guardianship transfers legal custody and responsibility for the child to the relative while still allowing parental visitation rights. 4. Adoption: If the court determines that it is in the child's best interest to be permanently placed with a relative, adoption may be considered. Adoption legally establishes the relative as the child's parent, severing the legal ties with the birth parents. The North Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives program recognizes the importance of maintaining a child's cultural, ethnic, and religious heritage. It aims to support kinship caregivers by providing resources, training, financial assistance, and ongoing supervision to ensure the child's well-being and safety. Overall, North Carolina Placement of Children With Relatives is a crucial program that prioritizes family connections and aims to provide children with a stable and loving home environment while navigating challenging circumstances.
