Kinship placements are mostly left in the hands of the biological parents. Whether kinship placement is used or who is suggested out of the family is in the hands of the biological parents for the most part. For the family member wanting to provide a family foster placement there may be more obstacles for you to overcome if the biological parents do not support you as a kinship placement.

I have been asked how kinship foster placements work, and other information concerning them. The problem is, that I cannot answer the questions because there is not a clear set of guidelines across the board for kinship placements. Some states are starting to pass laws or guidelines for kinship foster placement. For the most part, it is left up to states, counties, cities, or even caseworkers to do kinship placements case by case.

If you are looking into becoming involved with a kinship placement, you need to contact the Child Welfare office that is involved with the children in need of care. They will be the ones to tell you the process of providing kinship placement even if you do not live in the same state. This is where you need to begin.

I have yet to see a case where a family member was allowed to provide care to a child when the biological parents are strongly against it, unless it is with the other biological parent. I am not saying it does not happen, but prepare yourself for an uphill battle. Having other family members supporting your desire to provide kinship care can be a benefit to you.

Getting involved as soon as possible is very important. Don’t wait for the biological parents to involve you. Make contact with the child welfare caseworker yourself without a third party go between.

Continued…………..

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More reading:

Kinship Foster Care

Two Sides of Kinship Foster Care