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.
Wyoming Placement of Children With Relatives, also known as kinship care, is a program designed to provide temporary or permanent placement for children who are unable to live with their parents. In Wyoming, when a child cannot safely remain with their parents due to various factors such as abuse, neglect, or parental incarceration, the Department of Family Services (DFS) works to find suitable placements with relatives. This program recognizes the importance of maintaining family connections and providing a stable environment for children in need. There are multiple types of Wyoming Placement of Children With Relatives, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the child and their family situation: 1. Informal Kinship Care: In some cases, when a child needs placement with a relative, an informal arrangement may be made between the child's parents and the relative. This can be a temporary or permanent arrangement, providing a more familiar environment for the child. 2. Formal Kinship Care: When a child is removed from their parents' care by the DFS, they may be placed with a relative through formal kinship care. This ensures that the placement is legally recognized, allowing the relative to make decisions regarding the child's healthcare, education, and overall well-being. 3. Foster Care with Relatives: If a child is unable to live with their parents or relatives due to safety concerns or other factors, they may be placed in foster care with a relative. This allows the child to maintain their familial connections while receiving support from licensed foster parents. 4. Kinship Guardianship: In cases where it is determined that a child cannot be safely reunified with their parents, the relative caregiver may seek kinship guardianship. This legal arrangement grants the relative full custodial rights and responsibilities for the child, ensuring long-term stability and permanency. Wyoming Placement of Children With Relatives strives to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable environment for children by placing them with caring relatives when their biological parents are unable to care for them. It acknowledges the importance of maintaining family bonds while prioritizing the best interests and well-being of the child.Wyoming Placement of Children With Relatives, also known as kinship care, is a program designed to provide temporary or permanent placement for children who are unable to live with their parents. In Wyoming, when a child cannot safely remain with their parents due to various factors such as abuse, neglect, or parental incarceration, the Department of Family Services (DFS) works to find suitable placements with relatives. This program recognizes the importance of maintaining family connections and providing a stable environment for children in need. There are multiple types of Wyoming Placement of Children With Relatives, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the child and their family situation: 1. Informal Kinship Care: In some cases, when a child needs placement with a relative, an informal arrangement may be made between the child's parents and the relative. This can be a temporary or permanent arrangement, providing a more familiar environment for the child. 2. Formal Kinship Care: When a child is removed from their parents' care by the DFS, they may be placed with a relative through formal kinship care. This ensures that the placement is legally recognized, allowing the relative to make decisions regarding the child's healthcare, education, and overall well-being. 3. Foster Care with Relatives: If a child is unable to live with their parents or relatives due to safety concerns or other factors, they may be placed in foster care with a relative. This allows the child to maintain their familial connections while receiving support from licensed foster parents. 4. Kinship Guardianship: In cases where it is determined that a child cannot be safely reunified with their parents, the relative caregiver may seek kinship guardianship. This legal arrangement grants the relative full custodial rights and responsibilities for the child, ensuring long-term stability and permanency. Wyoming Placement of Children With Relatives strives to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable environment for children by placing them with caring relatives when their biological parents are unable to care for them. It acknowledges the importance of maintaining family bonds while prioritizing the best interests and well-being of the child.
