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.
Texas Placement of Children With Relatives is a program that allows children in foster care to be placed with relatives or close family friends, known as kinship placements. It aims to provide children with a safe and familiar environment while maintaining their connections with their families. Under the Texas Placement of Children With Relatives program, multiple types of placements are available, including: 1. Traditional Kinship Care: This refers to the placement of children with relatives who are either blood relatives, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins, or close family friends. The objective is to ensure that children can remain within their extended family networks. 2. Non-Traditional Kinship Care: This type of placement involves children being placed with individuals who have a significant relationship with the family, even if they are not blood relatives. This could include close family friends, neighbors, or community members who have a pre-existing bond with the child and their family. 3. Formal Kinship Care: In formal kinship care, the child welfare agency works closely with the relatives or kin caregivers, providing them with support services, resources, and guidance. Formal kinship care aims to ensure the child's well-being by addressing any specific needs and assisting the caregivers in the transition process. 4. Informal Kinship Care: Informal kinship care occurs when a child is placed with relatives or kin caregivers without involvement from the child welfare agency. Often, this happens when a family member or close friend steps forward to care for the child to prevent them from entering the foster care system. The Texas Placement of Children With Relatives program recognizes the importance of maintaining familial relationships and cultural connections for children in foster care. By placing children with relatives or close family friends, it strives to promote stability, continuity, and a sense of belonging for these vulnerable children. Keywords: Texas Placement of Children With Relatives, kinship placements, foster care, traditional kinship care, non-traditional kinship care, formal kinship care, informal kinship care, child welfare agency, familial relationships, cultural connections, stability, continuity, sense of belonging.
