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 Dakota Placement of Children With Relatives is a crucial process within the state's child welfare system aimed at ensuring the well-being and safety of children who cannot remain with their parents. This program provides an alternative placement option where children can be placed with relatives or kinship caregivers who are willing and able to provide a stable and nurturing environment. The North Dakota Placement of Children With Relatives program prioritizes the placement of children with relatives as it is believed to maintain important family connections, culture, and identity. By placing children with relatives, their overall stability and sense of belonging can be enhanced, contributing to their long-term success. There are different types of placements within the North Dakota Placement of Children With Relatives program to meet the specific needs of each child. Some of these placements include: 1. Temporary Relative Placement: This type of placement occurs when a child is in immediate danger or unable to remain with their parents due to abuse, neglect, or other unsafe conditions. Temporary relative placement allows the child to stay with a trusted relative temporarily while efforts are made to reunify them with their parents or find a permanent solution. 2. Kinship Guardianship: In some cases, when reunification with parents is not possible, kinship guardianship may be established. This type of placement grants legal custody to a relative or kinship caregiver, usually with the intent of providing permanent stability and maintaining important family connections. 3. Foster Relative Placement: This placement option allows a child to be placed with a relative who becomes a licensed foster parent to provide temporary care. Foster relative placements aim to create a safe and supportive environment for the child, while efforts are made to address the challenges faced by the child's parents and work towards reunification. 4. Concurrent Planning Placement: In certain situations where the child's parents are unlikely to be able to provide a safe and stable environment within a reasonable time frame, concurrent planning placement may be considered. This involves placing the child with a relative as a foster parent while concurrently developing a plan for the child's long-term placement, either through reunification or adoption. North Dakota Placement of Children With Relatives program recognizes the importance of maintaining children's connections with their extended family and cultural heritage. It strives to ensure that children's well-being and best interests are met by facilitating appropriate placement options that promote stability, safety, and nurturing care from relatives or kinship caregivers.
