Department of Health and Human Services 
OFFICE OF

INSPECTOR GENERAL

STATE PRACTICES IN USING RELATIVES

FOR FOSTER CARE

..v 
Richard P. Kusserow 
( J 
INSPECTOR GENERAL
GEl -06-90-02391 
,Ja  , "
EXECUTIVE  SUMMAR Y

PURPOSE 
The purpose of this study is to provide detaled infonnation on how each State uses 
reviews, and supports foster homes provided by relatives of those children in the legal 
custody of State child welfare agencies. It describes the experience and policies of the 
fifty States and the Distrct of Columbia concernng the use, approval, monitorig, and
social service and financial support of extended famly members in the child welfare 
system. It also summarzes the legal arangements available to relatives who assume 
pennanent care for these children. 
BACKGROUND 
The practice of placing children for whom the State is legally responsible with 
extended 
famly members is not a new one. Child welfare agencies have long used " specific" foster 
homes drawn from famlies' infonnal support networks to care for children in their legal 
custody. l In such placements, adults with biological or emotional ties to children were 
approved to care for only those parcular 
children. Stadards for approving these homes 
were less fonnal, if not less strngent, and services and financial support were based on 
individual case assessments rather than entitlement though policy. 
Clear policy and anecdota evidence indicates, however, such placements were considered a 
last resort in many State child welfare systems and were actively discouraged in 
others. 
Certnly 
the use of " specific" foster homes was considered less withn the 
limts of agency 
policies than more traditional placements with foster parents having no previous 
relationship to the child. For example, in some States, children placed with relatives, 
whatever their legal status vis-a-vis the State child welfare agency, were frequently 
considered the responsibilty of the Assistace Payments staff who often supervised Aid to 
Famlies with Dependent Children payments to the relatives. The role of these placements
in the child welfare system was rarely clear in either policy or practice. Their limited 
numbers allowed public policy makers to avoid developing clear, consistent policies in ths 
area. 
2 most States have experienced increases in the 
As indicated in our companion report 
proporton of children in foster care placed with extended famly members over the last 
decade. Largely as a result of State attempts to implement the requirements of the 
1 Lewis
, Robert and Mark Fraser  Blending Fonnal and Infonnal Networks in Foster Care 
Children and Youth Services Review, vol. 9, pp. 153-
69, 1987. 
2 "
Using Relatives for Foster Care " OEI-06-90-02390, June 1992.  Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-272) and the Indian Child 
95-608), child welfare staff began to look more frequently to 
Welfare Act of 1978  (pL. 
relatives as a source of temporar care for children in the custody of their agencies. 
Furter, lack of adequate numbers of more traditional foster parents has forced States to 
examne many "new" options for substitute care. Among these are 
placements with 
relatives, either as regular foster homes or under speci  ized care arangements. 
Relative foster-care placements have increased faster than the 
abilty of regulatory 
processes to address their unique characteristics. Additionally, litigation concernng 
relative foster parents' rights in some States has resulted in more fonnal policy 
requirements for pars of the foster-care process, while leaving related processes largely 
unregulated. 
Without fully developed policy support for staff and administrative decision-makng 
concerng such placements, State child-welfare agencies have been coping with growing 
proportons of children cared for by relatives in the last several years. The dilemma of 
most State agencies now is how to regulate this relative foster-care arangement so as to 
offer adequate protection and support to the children for whom they are responsible, while 
avoidig requirements that undermne the goals of extended family care or of other famly 
support and services programs. 
Many States now are attempting to develop policies that address the issues raised by 
relative foster-care placements. Review of how different States have addressed regulatory 
and practice questions may be helpful to States involved in policy development or 
examation. 
SCOPE 
The focus of our research was children, in the legal custody of the States ' primar child 
and famly service agencies, who were placed with individuals related to them by blood or 
law. The study was limited to State legislation, policies, other legal constraints, and data 
from agency infonnation systems. 
METHODOLOGY 
In order to describe States' legal frameworks for using relative foster-care parents and to 
determne current official practice, we conducted telephone interviews with public foster-
care officials in each of the fifty States and the Distrct of Columbia 
(hereafter referred to 
as a State). In the interviews, we discussed with these offcials the laws, policies, and 
procedures of the chief child welfare agencies in each State regarding use, monitorig and 
support of relative foster-care providers. We also requested copies of written materials on 
unique aspects of programs.  From these interviews, we developed draft summares of State policies in terms of use 
approval and monitoring, financial and other support services and permanency options. 
We submitted these summares to State agency admiistrators for their review and 
verification. When there were serious discrepancies between the information from the 
original interview and the State-corrected summar, we contacted admstrators by 
telephone to resolve the differences. Because there is so little formal policy in ths area 
some agency requirements and practices could not be fully determned. 
States from which 
agency staf did not submit verication or  italics. 
corrections are printed in the report in 

SUMRY 
OF STATE POLICIES AND PRACTICES 
Most States have policies requirng staff to explore foster care 
by relatives as a potential 
temporar placement. Over half of States go furer than this and require 
staf to consider 
relatives as the most preferable placement for children in foster care. Two States have 
policies that discourage State assumption of legal custody for children who can be cared 
for by relatives, preferrng that the relatives themselves assume custody of the children. 
The proporton of children in the custody of State child welfare agencies placed with 
relatives has increased demonstrably in 18 States, and was perceived by admistrators to 
have increased in an additional 17 States. The reasons for these increases vared 
enormously among the states, but the following 
thee were the most frequently reported: 
State policies that encourage placements with relatives; 
the shortge of more traditional foster famly homes; and 
litigation which has brought large numbers of previously established 
placements with relatives into regular State foster-care program 
statistics. 
Twenty States license, or approve as licensable, all or most relative foster homes. The 
remaining States may license some relative foster homes, but use less formal and less 
strgent review mechansms for some or all relatives ' homes. In these 
States the licensing 
status of the home is frequently related either to the relatives ' desire to secure foster-care 
maintenance payments (for which licensing is usually a prerequisite) or to relatives 
willigness to meet certain State licensing requirements. 
In all but two States, licensing (or approval) is a requirement for receipt of 
foster-care 
payments. Some States add additional requirements. Nine States reimburse 
relatives only
if the placement is eligible for Federal foster-care funds, i.e., only if the home is licensed 
the child was eligible for Aid to Famlies with Dependent Children (AFDC) while living 
with his/her parents, and legal custody requirements have been met. In all States, most 
children in the custody of the State child welfare agency are covered by medical assistance 
programs. Exclusions from social services, when they exist, usually are related to the 
licensing status of the relatives' homes rather than directly to the relationship to the child.  All States allow adoption by relatives, and wil consider such adoptive arangements for 
adoption subsidies. All but two States allow guardianship or permanent legal custody to 
transfer to relatives; but in four States the cours so rarely grant 
guardianship, that State
agency personnel do not consider it a realistic option. Famly members who secure 
custody of related children lose foster-care payments, but five offer subsidies to assist 
some States, continuing care by a 
relatives in assuming guardianship for children. 
 In 
relative is recognized as a permanent foster-care outcome which results in diminished 
agency and court intervention in the placement. In all but two States, however, children 
who must remain in the legal custody of State child welfare agencies and the physical care 
of relatives are considered in long-term or continuing foster care.  .. .. .. 
.. ...   ....    ....    .....    .........   .    .. .......  .       .. .............  .      .      . .... ......... .   .     .     . ...... ....... .   .  .       .  ... ............   .. .          ..... ...............   ....   .           ...    ..... ...... .......  .    .       .. .. .............. ..    .             .  .... ............... .    . .            .. ...  ...........   .  . .          .... ..  ............     . .. .       .  ......  ... .... ......  ... .  .      ..   ... ..... ......... .....  . .   .          .   .  .. . .. ....................   ...                     ... . ........................ .  .       .              .   ... .. ...................  ... . .                     ..   .... ...................  ...  . .   .              ...  . .. ................ . .... .   ..             ..  .. . ... .............. ..  ..  .     .  ... .  ............. .. .        .  . . .............  ...  .            ..   ... ............. ..  .  .            . .. . . .................  ..  .        .       ..  ..... .... ...........  ...  .   .  .             .. . .. ..... ............  .. .    .          .... ... .. .............   . .          . .. .. ........... .  .  ..          .. .  ... ......... . .   . .       .... ..  ..... ....   . ..    . .   ... .  .. . ...... ...... .        .     .................... . .                 .. .. ..................... ..                    ..  .....................  . . .     .            . ..  . .................. .   ..  .             .. . ..  .............. ...  . .. ...              ..   ...  .............. ... .  ..     .         .. . ...  ...............  ..      ....  ..........  ..     .   ..  ... .....  . . . .    ...   .. ....  . ...      .. .   ..... ... . .....    .  .   .   ......... ...         . . . ....... ...     .   ...... ..      .  ...... ...      .  ......    ...
TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
SUMMARY OF STATE PROFIES 
STATE PROFIES 
Alabama 
Alaska. 
Arzona 
Arkansas 
Californa 
Colorado 
Connecticut 
Delaware. . . .
Distrct of Columbia 
Florida 
Georgia 
Hawaii 
Idaho 
illiois. 
Indiana 
Iowa 
Kansas 
Kentucky 
Louisiana. . 
Maine 
Marland. . 
Massachusetts 
Michigan. . . 
Minnesota 
Mississippi 
Missouri 
Montaa 
Nebraska 
Nevada 
New Hampshire 
New Jersey  . ...   ...   ....    ......      ......     .....   ...   ...   ...... . ..  . .........    ............      ............      ............      ........ .....     ............ .  .  .. ........ .   . ........ .   . ........ .   . .............       ............     .......... .. ... .   . ...... ......    .. ................  .     . . ................. .      .. .............  .     .. .............  .     .. ..............        ..........    ..........     ..........    . .......  .. ..  ......  ..............       ..............      ............      ............... .    .   ........ ............       .  ..................         ................ ..      .  ............. ....   .   .  .......... . .  . ... ........ .    . ........... .    . ..........  .   ... ....... .    .........    ....... . .  ..... . .. . ....
New Mexico 
New York 
Nort Carolina

Nort Dakota

Ohio 
Oklahoma 
Oregon 
Pennsylvana 
Rhode Island 
South Carolina 
South Dakota 
Tennessee 
Texas 
Uta 
Vermont 
Virginia. . 
Washington .........

West Virginia. 
Wisconsin 
Wyoming. . .  SUMMARY  STATE  PROFILES

Most States have policies requirng staff to explore foster care by relatives as a potential 
temporar placement. Over half of States go furer than ths and require staf to consider 
relatives as the most preferable placement for children in foster care. 
Two States have 
policies that discourage State assumption of legal custody for children who can be cared 
for by relatives, preferrng that the relatives themselves assume custody of the children. 
The proporton of children in the custody of State child welfare agencies placed with 
relatives has increased demonstrably in 18 States, and was perceived by administrators to 
have increased in an additional 17 States. The reasons for these increases vared 
enormously among the states, but the following 
thee were the most frequently reported: 
. State policies that encourage placements with relatives; 
. the shortge of more traditional foster famly homes; and 
litigation which has brought large numbers of previously established placements 
with relatives into regular State foster-care program statistics. 
Twenty States license, or approve as licensable, all or most relative foster homes. The 
remaining States may license some relative foster homes, but use less formal and less 
strgent review mechansms for some or all relatives ' homes. In these 
States the licensing 
status of the home is frequently related either to the relatives ' desire to secure foster-care 
maintenance payments (for which licensing is usually a prerequisite) or to relatives 
wilingness to meet certn State licensing requirements. 
In all but two States, licensing (or approval) is a requirement for receipt of foster-care 
payments. Some States add additional requirements. Nine States reimburse relatives only 
if the placement is eligible for Federal foster-care funds , i.e., only if the home is licensed 
the child was eligible for Aid to Famlies with Dependent Children (AFDC) while living 
with his/her parents, and legal custody requirements have been met. In all States, most 
children in the custody of the State child welfare agency are covered by medical assistance 
programs. Exclusions from social services, when they exist, usually are related to the 
licensing status of the relatives ' homes rather than directly to the relationship to the child. 
All States allow adoption by relatives, and wil consider such adoptive 
arangements for 
adoption subsidies. All but two States allow guardianship or permanent legal custody to 
transfer to relatives; but in four States the courts so rarely grant 
guardianship, that State
agency personnel do not consider it a realistic option. 
Famly members who secure 
custody of related children lose foster-care payments, but five offer subsidies to assist 
relatives in assuming guardianship for children. In some States, contiuing care by a 
relative is recognized as a permanent foster-care outcome which results in diminished 
agency and court intervention in the placement. In all but two States, however, children 
who must remain in the legal custody of State child welfare agencies and the physical care 
of relatives are considered in long-term or continuing foster care.  The table on page 3 summarzes State policies and practices in five main areas: the 
State s policy concernng the use of relatives, the documented or perceived trend in the 
proporton of children placed with relatives, the mechanism for approving homes as safe 
and adequate, requirements for receipt of full foster-care maintenance, and available 
permanency options. Below is important information for reading the table. 
The five-year trend in the proporton of children placed with relatives is described for al States. 
For some States, detennnation of the diection of the trend was based upon data system reports of 
the actual number of chidren in relative placements. In other States, because data for the five yeas 
could not be retreved trend descriptions are based upon estiates of State foster care 
admistrators. Trends based on data are indicate by a solid circle (-); trends based upon 
admnistrtors ' estimates are indicated by open circles (0). States in which admstrators could not 
provide data or estimates are identified by question marks (???). 
States which license only relatives who wish to care for non-related children in addition to extended 
famly members are not considered as licensing relatives. The licensing categories are defmed as 
follows: 
Licensing - a process defined in policy though which State child welfare agencies review 
specific characteristics of individuals and their homes, attest that the individuals can provide a 
safe and secure home for children in foster care and therefore can have offcial pennssion to 
provide foster care. States may call this process licensing, certfication, or approval. 
Approval - a process defined in 
policy which attests that a home meets most or al licensing 
criteria but fals short of routine licensure/certfication; grants limited pennssion to provide 
foster care only to a specifc child or children.

Formal Review - a process defined in policy or official procedures which detennnes the 
safety and suitabilty of potential relative foster famly homes. Homes are assessed using 
certn pre-defined stadads which are more flexible than licensing criteria. 
Unspecified Review - a process not offcially defined for assessing the general safety and 
suitabilty of relative foster famly homes. 
Required for support (RQ' D FOR SUPPORT) in the table refers to charcteristics of foster care 
placements which offcial State policies require in order for relative foster parents to receive foster 
car maintenance payments. The foster care maintenance payments may be solely State-provided 
or, when placements are licensed and meet al other Title IV-E requirements, may have some level 
of Federa Financial Parcipation. In most States, relatives not receiving foster care maitenance 
payments may be eligible for AFC on behalf of children in their care. The cha does not present 
requirements for receiving such income support assistace. 
Guardianship refers to guardianship by the relative. This category also includes the 
trsfer of 
temporar or pennanent legal custody to the relative. 
Long-term foster care includes continued recognized foster care by the relative and pennanent 
foster care as a legaly recognized foster-care pennanent planning outcome. 
Readers are cautioned that State policies and practices vary widely. Please refer to 
an individual State s profie for information on how that State operates its specific 
programs.  -- -.; ;.  ..... ,.., .     .  ........................................:........  .   ..,     .j....     ........ :      .  . ....?.....  . .     .. ,..j....  ?........'.............".................'..... .............,...'.....j........   .   .     .   .     . . ..... ......".  ..   % ..+...  .. . . .   . "      . .. .  . '.:..:. .,:. :..  ...   .....,.:....::...:.. .:   . .. ...... .....:..."...%.... ...... '...
.. .,j .........................                        ....................... . .    ... ...............:.................. ................................:.............   . :.....'........ .....!................ .......   .                                      ..........................-............'...                               ..................................     .....
SUMARY 
OF STATE PRACTICES 
IN RELATIV 
FOSTER CARE 
D FOR 
POLICY ON USE\.S-YEAR APPROVAL; REQ' PERMANENCY 
OF RELATIVES \.TREND PROCESS SUPPORT PLAN OPTIONS 
% 10'  "  . '" 0 
" og -c -bOo
AASTATllESa  baasmkaa .Q'   .Id: ; ". o   Q' I:Q'  & C7 Q' I:Q' t.I :Q'  c9  I:  Q'  6 o Q' d' 
... 0 ..
Arizona .

Arkansas
CCaoliloforrandioa  .. . .
. 0 
Connecticut . ..
Delaware . 
Florida ... 0 .. 
District of Columbia  .....  00 .

nenraia . 
Idaho .
Ilinois . ..
. .0. 0
Iowa 
Indiana .

Kansas .
Kentuckv .  ... 0

Maine
Marvland . 

Massachusetts .

Michi!!an .

Minnesota .

.. 0
Mississinni .
Missouri .
Montana . .. 0 

Nebraska . 
Nevada . 

ev 
.. 0
New Hamnshire 
New Jer
New Mexico

New York .

Ohio
NNorothr tChar Dolianak
 ota  ... 0 ...
. 0 

Oklahoma . .
Oregon . ..
....  00 
Pennsvlvania . 
land . 
0 ..
Rnone r 
South Carnlina 
 . 0 .
TnSouet h xDaa.kosta
   .
Utah .
Tennessee . ..
U' .

0 ..
t Virginia
Wisconsin . 0 .
Wvomin!! . ... 0  STATE  PROFILES

ALABAMA 
Children in the custody of the State Deparment of Human Resources routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives. State policy requires staf to give fIrst consideration to 
relatives when foster care is needed for children. Ths requirement has been a par of State 
policy since 1980. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically 
preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
State data include only those children in approved relative foster homes. The incidence of 
such placements has shown a slight decline over the past five fiscal years; State 
admnistrators were unable to provide reasons for ths decline. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State approves foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative homes can be approved. Approval requirements are the same as those for non-
relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space standards; 
and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as 
demonstrated though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective 
service records checks. The relatives also must paricipate in basic foster-parent training; 
ongoing training is encouraged. 
Children also may be placed in the homes of relatives who are not 
approved. These 
homes are reviewed. These relatives are not required to submit health documents, 
complete a criminal records check, or attend training. The homes are assessed in terms 
stabilty, health and safety, and the abilty of the relative to meet the needs of the child. 
The decision to seek approved status usually is made by the relatives. Admistrators 
believed most relative foster homes were approved. 
Foster-care staf must visit all approved foster homes (both relatives and non-relatives) 
every 90 days. Staf must visit children in approved homes every six months, although in 
practice children are seen monthly or more frequently. The Deparent of Human 
Resources routinely does not provide specialized training to staff concernng supervision 
relative foster-care placements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the related 
foster home is approved. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is  eligible for medical and denta benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social 
services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remai with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the child is eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements. Finally, children may be placed in the 
permanent custody of relatives with the State agency relinquishing all rights and 
responsibilties for the child. 
ALASKA 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Health and Social Services routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives. State policy demands staff undertake a search for 
relatives when a child enters care and consider relatives as the fIrst alternative for foster-
care placement. This requirement became par of State policy prior to 1976. There are no 
situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 
Placements with relatives routinely are not identified in the State data system, but 
administrators state the number of such placements has risen slightly over the last five 
years largely as a result of increased worker awareness of the importce of kinship ties. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children. Relative foster homes can 
be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives ' homes: the relatives ' homes 
must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; and, relatives must be capable of 
providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated though a psychosocial 
assessment and review of references. To be licensed, relatives also must parcipate in 
foster-parent orientation and ongoing training. Requirements are not rigid, however, and 
those which are not perceived to affect the safety of the child can be waived when there is 
an alternative method for meeting the intent of the requirements. 
Children also may be placed in unlicensed homes. These homes are reviewed. Staff 
review the stabilty, health and safety of the homes and 
conduct psychosocial assessments 
of the famlies. These assessments are generally comparable to those conducted for 
licensing homes.  The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives, based upon their need 
for foster-care maintenance payments. Administrators could not provide information 
concernng the proporton of licensed relative foster homes to unlicensed relative foster 
homes. 
Monitoring of all foster homes is case-dependent. The Deparment of Health and Social 
Services has no specific policies or training concernng supervision of relative foster 
homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Permanent care by a relative is a permanency goal in the State. Children with permanent 
plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted by the relatives with State 
support continuing if the children are eligible for subsidized adoption. Courts may grant 
relatives guardianship of the children and, if the children are considered "hard to place 
the guardianship may by subsidized by the Deparent of Health and Social Services. 
Finally, children may remain in permanent foster care with relatives, with the State 
continuing to supervise and (if licensed) support these placements. 
ARIZONA 
The Administration for Children, Youth and Famlies places children in its care in relative 
foster homes. Prior to 1990, the agency had to seek special approval from the Juvenile 
Courts in order to place with relatives. Now the agency can assess the famly situations 
and determne if children should be placed in these homes. Additionally, the agency 
frequently aranges for temporar care of a child by a relative while the parents, who 
retain custody of the child, receive treatment. There are no situations defined by 
regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
Until July, 1991, the State data system separately identified children placed with 
unlicensed relatives, but placements in licensed relative homes were not distinguished from 
other licensed placements. Administrators state the number of relative placements has 
risen over the last five years largely as a result of less strngent court requirements for 
makng such placements.  Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed if they meet the same stadards as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space stadards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though the licensing process, references, and criminal and protective service record 
checks. To be licensed, the relatives also must parcipate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. Requirements cannot be waived. 
Children also may be placed in unlicensed relative homes. These homes are screened by 
foster-care staff who check the home to ensure its safety and conduct criminal and central 
must agree to protect the safety of the child and 
registr record checks. Relatives 
cooperate with plans for parental visitation. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Administrators could 
not provide information concernng the proportion of licensed relative foster homes to 
unlicensed relative foster homes. 
Child protective and/or case management staff must visit children in all foster homes (with 
relatives and non-relatives) every 30 days. The agency routinely does not provide 
specialzed training concernng supervision of relative foster-care placements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Licensed relatives receive the same level of financial benefits as any licensed foster parent. 
Unlcensed relatives are eligible upon request to receive daily clothing and personal 
allowances and other special allowances. Such special allowances may include assistance 
for education expenses, graduation expenses, summer school tuition and fees, camp fees, 
and diaper expenses. Children in the custody of the State and placed with relatives are 
eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social 
services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. The court may grant guardianship to relatives, and the Administration for 
Children, Youth and Famlies would discontinue foster-care monitoring and reimbursement. 
Children may stay in long-term foster care with the State agency continuing to support and 
monitor the placement until the children reach 16 and a permanent plan of Independent 
Living is indicated.  ARKANSAS 
The Deparment of Human Services wil place children in its care with relatives, but only 
if the staf have exhausted all other possibilties. The agency does have responsibility for 
a signficant number of "out-of-home protective service cases. " In these situations, the 
agency has supervision and service responsibility for a child in the care of a relative 
as a 
result of a court order, but custody remains with the parent or temporary with the 
relative. 
The incidence of relative foster-care placements has shown a slight increase over the past 
five fiscal years. State administrators stated ths increase was largely due to greater 
agency. 
acceptace of the practice by the State offce of the 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The Deparment of Human Services certifies foster famly homes for receiving children in 
the custody of the State. Relative foster homes must be certified based upon the same 
criteria as non-relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and 
space stadards; and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the 
child as demonstrated through a psychosocial assessment and review of references. The 
relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent orientation. Requirements such as length of 
marage and age, as well as the source of homes' water supply can be waived. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Deparment 
of Human Services does not provide special training concerning supervision of relative 
foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
All relatives receive foster-care maintenance payments since the criteria for such payments 
is that the home be certfied. All children in foster care are eligible for Medicaid uness 
child is covered by private insurance or has independent resources. Relative foster homes 
are eligible for the same social services as non-relative foster homes. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for adoption 
subsidies. The relative may petition for guardianship for the child, or may be granted 
permanent custody of the child. In both of the latter situations, Deparment of Human 
Service s assistance to the child and foster family ceases unless the court orders the agency 
to provide furter social services.
 CALIFORNIA 
Children in the custody of the County Welfare Deparments routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy requires that staf consider relatives as the first alternative 
for foster-care placement. Ths requirement has been a par of State policy since 1982. 
There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of 
relative placements for children. 
The incidence of relative foster home placements has increased greatly over the past five 
fiscal years; State administrators cited the increased number of drg-affected children 
entering the foster-care system and the growing demand for foster homes as the most 
signficant reasons for the increase. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
, relative foster homes are exempt from licensing. Relatives' circumstaces and 
In general
background are reviewed by county social services staff. There are no official work 
standards for completing these reviews. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children in foster homes every 30 days unless a child has no 
problems caused or aggravated by the placement, the placement is stable, or the child is 
placed with a relative. Staff must visit children in excepted placements, including children 
in relative foster homes, on a quarerly basis. The Deparment of Social Services routinely 
does not provide specialzed training concernng supervision of relative foster- care 
placements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care may receive federally reimbursed foster-care 
maintenance payments for children eligible for payments under the Federal foster-care 
program. Relatives are not eligible to receive reimbursement under any State programs. 
Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and 
dental benefits. Licensed relatives are not systematically excluded from any social services 
which the State makes available to non-related foster parents, but county offices may 
decide to limit some services. 
Permanency Options 
relatives may be adopted 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. The court may approve a permanent plan of long-term foster care for children 
with agency supervision and judicial monitoring continuing until these children reach 
emancipation.  The relative may be appointed as guardian for the child and become solely responsible for 
the child, or the relative may be named guardian with the child remainig the 
dependent of 
the court. In either case, non-related individuals who assume guardianship for children 
may be eligible for continued financial subsidies for the children s needs; relatives are 
excluded from ths program. Ths exclusion may soon be challenged in Federal Distrct 
Court though a suit 
against the City of San Francisco. 
COLORADO 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. The State has had policies in place for several years specifically 
addressing relative placements and encouraging staff to consider such placements for all 
children. While some counties may have policies precluding placement of some children 
with relatives, State regulations contan no such limitations. 
State data systems could not accurately provide information on the number of children 
placed with relatives for the years surveyed. Current data are available. If the relative 
does not receive foster-care reimbursement, the child does not appear on the State s largely 
fmancial Foster Care Information System. Identification of the placement as a "relative 
foster care placement" depends upon entering two classification codes in the Child 
Tracking System (a separate system), so under countig of this population is likely. 
Administrators reported that the number of foster children placed with relatives appears to 
be growing, largely due to increased emphasis in the Deparment on the importce of 
maintainig kinship ties. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
Counties certfy foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be certfied based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space stadards; and, the 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service record 
checks. To be certfied, the relatives also must parcipate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. The Deparment may waive some requirements as a result of an appeal 
by the relative. 
If relatives' homes are not certified , the foster-care arangement is referred to as a relative 
placement. Counties study the relatives' circumstances and background. There are no 
official standards, however, for completing these studies. Each county determnes its own 
standards for ensuring the safety of relatives' homes.  The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives, and usually centers 
upon whether the relative has or intends to have other children placed in his/her home. 
Therefore, few relative foster homes are certfied. 
s home is a certified foster home, the child and foster parents are visited at 
If the relative 
least every thrty days. Uncertified placements with relatives are monitored by the child' 
social worker on a case-specific schedule. For purposes of supervision, uncertified relative 
placements are treated much the same as protective service cases in which children remain 
in their own home. Generally, the Deparment does not provide specialized 
traing to
staf concernng supervision of relative foster-care placements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is certfied and children are otherwise eligible for Federal Title IV -E reimbursement. 
Any children in foster care under Title IV-E or children receiving SSI are eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Other children in foster care must meet Medicaid eligibility 
requirements in order to obtain coverage through public programs. 
Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the State makes available to 
non-related foster parents. In some cases, relatives may receive funds or services though 
a State program "Placement Alternatives " available in some counties, to enable children to 
remain in less restrctive settings. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may 
be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. The court may approve a permanent plan of long-term foster care for children 
with agency supervision and judicial monitoring continuing until these children reach 
emancipation. 
The relative may be appointed guardian for the child and become solely responsible for the 
child, or the relative may be named guardian but legal custody remains with Deparment of 
Social Services. If the Department remains legally responsible for the child, foster-care 
payments may continue if these were available before the assumption of guardianship by 
the relative. The transfer of guardianship and legal custody to the relative is considered a 
permanent home, and court supervision may end.  CONNECTICUT 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Children and Youth Services routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives. Since 1988, the State has had policies in place 
specifically addressing relative placements and encouraging staff to consider such 
placements for all children. 
The proporton of children placed in relative foster care has shown a slight increase over 
the past five fiscal years. Admnistrators 
attrbute ths increase to greater awareness among 
staff of the importce of maitaing kinship ties and to the lack an adequate pool of 
foster homes. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The Deparent licenses foster parents for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes must be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space standards; and, 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, a review of references, and record checks. The 
relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent training. Deparmental regulations allow for 
provisional approval of foster homes for up to 45 days while home studies are completed. 
Relative foster homes are more likely to receive such provisional licensure. 
Foster-care staff determne an appropriate schedule for visiting each foster home on a case-
by-case basis. Because of their stability, relative foster homes generally are visited less 
frequently than those headed by non-relatives. The Deparent does not provide specific 
training on supervision of relative foster-care placements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
All relatives are eligible to receive foster-care maintenance payments since the criteria for 
such payments is that the home be licensed. All children in foster care are eligible for 
Medicaid unless the child is covered by private insurance or has independent resources. 
Relative foster homes are eligible for the same social services as non-relative foster 
homes. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for adoption 
subsidies. The Department or the relative may petition for guardianship for the child with 
the Deparent's assistance to the child and foster famly ceasing once 
guardianship is 
awarded to the relative.  Children may remain in long-term foster care with relatives. In such cases, the 
Deparment of Children and Youth Services and the courts continue to supervise the foster-
care placement. 
DELAWARE 
Children in the custody of the Division of Child Protective Services 
routiely are provided 
foster care by relatives. State policy demands staf consider relatives and close famly 
frends as the first alternative for foster-care placement. This requirement has been a par
of State policy since the early 1980s. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
State data concerng children in relative foster-care placements are only available since 
1989, and include most but not all children placed with relatives or family friends. 
A few 
kiship placements neither are monitored nor supported; therefore, the children involved 
are not included in the Deparment' s data base. Administrators stated that the number of 
placements with relatives has remained relatively stable over the last five years. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State approves foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Most relative foster homes are approved based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a mutual assessment process which is par of pre-service preparation, a review of 
references, and a crimial background check. The Deparment does waive some 
requirements on a case-by-case basis. 
Children also may be placed in unapproved relative foster homes. These homes are 
reviewed and monitored by the staff providing services to the children and famlies.  There 
are no stadards in policy for 
such reviews. 
The decision to become approved foster parents usually is made by the relatives. About 
25% of all relative foster homes are approved. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Division of 
Child Protective Services does not provide special training concernng supervision specific 
to relative foster homes.  Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is approved. Most are referred to the Division of Social Services to apply for
AFC. 
Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical 
and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the State 
makes available to non-related foster parents, and may even receive special funding for 
extraordinar service needs. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in long-term foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements, or children may be placed in the permanent 
custody of relatives with the State agency relinquishing all rights and responsibilties for 
the child. 
COLUMBIA 
DISTRICT OF 

Children in the custody of the Deparment of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. Policy allows staff to consider interested relatives for "special foster 
care" placement. This allowance has been a par of State policy since before 1980. There 
are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 
Administrators were unable to provide data on the number of children placed with 
relatives, but did indicate that use of relatives as foster parents has been relatively stable 
over the last five years. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
Relatives who provide foster care to children in the custody of the Deparment are not 
licensed. These homes are considered "specialized foster homes. " These foster homes are 
subject to informal review by children s workers and, if safe, the relatives may care only 
for the specified related children. The stadards for these reviews are not specified in 
policy. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents or special foster homes every 30 
days. The Deparment of Human Services does not provide special training concerning 
supervision of relative foster homes.  Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if they request 
such assistace. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the Deparent 
continuing to support and monitor placements. The relatives may secure 
guardianship of 
the child with the agency relinquishing all rights and responsibilities for the chid, or the 
cours may order "thrd-pary" custody to the relative with the Deparment continuing to 
provide supervision and services to the relatives or child. 
FLORIDA 
The Department of Health and Rehabiltative Services discourages relative foster-care 
placements. The Department prefers that interested relatives assume custody directly for 
children. The Departent does provide social services, but not financial, support to 
relatives with custody of children who might otherwise be in the care of the State. This 
approach to using relatives has been part of State policy since the early 1980s. There are 
no situations defined by regulation, however, that automatically preclude consideration of 
relative placements for children. 
Foster-care placements with relatives are indistinguishable from other foster-care 
placements in the Department s data system, and children in the custody of relatives are 
not in foster care. Administrators did indicate that relative placements have increased 
slightly over the last five years. This increase appeared to be associated with greater 
relative demands for financial assistance which can only be obtained 
if the child is in 
foster care.

Approval and Monitorin$! of Relative Foster Homes 
The State approves foster family homes for receiving children in the custody 
of the State. 
Relative foster homes must be approved based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
3 Itacs indicate 
State staf did not respond to our written request to verify interview infonnation 
reported here.  homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; and
, the 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
through a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be approved, the relatives also must participate in foster-parent orientation 
and ongoing training. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children in foster care and foster parents every 30 days. 
a relative assumes temporary custody of a child, the Departent supervises the home for 
six months on an as-needed basis. The Department of Health and Rehailtative Services 
does not provide special training concerning supervision of relative foster homes or 
relative custody arrangements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Relative foster parents are not excluded from any social 
services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency OPtions 
Children with permnent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permnent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements. The Departent prefers relatives to 
assume temporary custody or guardianship of children in their care with the State agency 
relinquishing all rights and responsibilties for the child after six months. 
GEORGIA 
Chidren in the custody of the Deparent of Human Resources routiely are provided 
foster care by relatives. State policy demands staf consider relatives as the fIrst 
alternative for foster-care placement. Ths requirement has been a par of State policy 
prior to 1980. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude 
consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of children placed with relatives remained relatively stable thoughout the 
1980s but increased significantly in 1990. Administrators were not certain why such an 
increase took place.  Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State approves foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Some relative foster homes are approved based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space stadards; and, the 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be approved, the relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. Deparment staf may waive some stadards. 
Children also may be placed in unapproved relative foster homes, or free homes. The 
relatives' homes are evaluated by foster-care staff and, generally, must meet the same 
stadards as approved homes. Training requirements are waived. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Most relatives do not 
seek approval. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Deparment 
does not provide special training concernng supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is approved. Any child in the custody of the Deparment of Human Resources is 
eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social 
services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents, although there may 
be some differences in individual counties 
' delivery of services. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements on a less intense basis. Assumption of 
guardianship by the relative is possible, but is a little used option. More frequently, the 
cours transfer temporar custody to the relative from the Department.  HAWATI 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Human Services routinely are considered for 
placement with relatives. State policy demands staff to place children in the least 
restrctive, most family-like environment possible. There are no situations defined by 
regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. . 
The Deparment s data system could not separately retreve all relative foster homes for the 
period in question, but admnistrators indicated there had been a slight increase in the 
incidence of such placements over the last five years. 
Approval and Monitorig of Relative Foster Homes 
The State certfies foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes must be certified based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes, unless the home is limited to one specific child. The relatives' homes must meet 
basic health, safety, and space standards; and, the relatives must be capable of providing 
care and protection for the child as demonstrated though a psychosocial assessment 
references, and criminal and protective service records checks. Relatives are encouraged 
parcipate in foster-parent orientation. If the home is a "specified home " the Deparent
may waive certification stadards on a case-by-case basis. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is certfied, and the child is eligible for Title IV -E foster-care payments. Any child 
in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and denta benefits. 
Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the State makes available to 
non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Permanent care by a relative is a permanency goal in the State. Children with permanent 
plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted by the relatives with State 
support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized adoption. Courts may 
grant relatives guardianship of the children, and the guardianship may be subsidized by the 
Deparment Human Services. Finally, the child may remain in permanent foster care with 
the relative, with the State continuing to supervise and support the placement.  IDAHO" 
Children in the custody of the Department of Health and Welfare routinely are provided 
foster care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives as the first 
placement. This requirement has been a part of State policy 
alterntive for foster-care 
There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude
since  1985. 
consideration of relative placements for children. 
The Departent cannot specifcally identif all relative foster homes. Administrators 
indicated there had been a slight increase in the incidence of such placements over the last 
Departent on the importance of 
five years, largely due to increasing focus within the 
preserving family ties for children in 
foster care. 
Approval and Monitorin1! of Relative Foster Homes 
The Departent of Health and Welfare licenses foster family homes for receiving children 
in the custody of the State. Relative foster homes must be licensed based upon the same 
licensing guidelines as non-relatives ' homes: the relatives ' home must meet basic health 
safety, and space standards; and, relatives must be capable of providing care and 
protection for the child-as demonstrated through a psychosocial assessment and a review 
of references. Training is not required unless the child is a special needs child. 
Departental guidelines provide some flexibility, and waivers are allowed if positive 
features of the home mitigate deficiencies. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents, regardless of the relationship, 
at least every 30 days, or as a case requires. The Departent of Health and Welfare does 
not provide special training concerning supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Licensed relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments. Any 
child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and dental 
benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the State makes 
available to non-related foster parents, but all support services are based on a needs 
assessment. 
Permnencv Options 
Permnent care by a relative is a permnency goal in the State. Children with permnent 
plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted by the relatives with State 
support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized adoption. Courts may 
4 Itacs indicate State sta did not respond to our written request to verify interview infonnation 
report here.  grant relatives guardianship of the children. Finally, the child may remain in permnent 
foster care with the relative, with the Department continuing to supervise and support the 
placement. 
ILLINOIS 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Children and Famly Services 
routiely are 
provided foster care by relatives. Deparment policy since 1976 and the findings in several 
cour decisions in the late 1980s require staf to conduct a thorough search for relatives 
when children enter foster care, and to place children with relatives when reasonable to do 
so. 
The number of children placed with relatives has increased greatly over the last five years. 
Administrators cited several factors influencing this increase: legislative and judicial 
mandates that have reiterated the preference for such placements, a shortge of foster 
homes has caused staff to do a more thorough job in locating relatives, and children placed 
with relatives in the State generally remain in foster care longer than children placed with 
non-relatives, and the numbers show the cumulative effect of this phenomenon. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster-homes are approved based upon the same criteria used for licensing non-
relatives' homes, although some standards may be waived in the approval process. The 
relatives' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space standards; and, relatives must be 
capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated though a 
psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records checks. 
Relatives are encouraged to parcipate in foster-parent orientation, but are not required to 
attend. 
All children in foster care must be visited every 30 days. The Deparent does not 
provide training that specifically addresses supervision of relative foster-care homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is certfied or approved. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency 
is eligible for Medicaid coverage. Relatives are not excluded from any social services 
which the State makes available to non-related foster parents.  Permanency Options 
Permanent care by a relative is a permanency goal in the State. Children with permanent 
plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted by relatives with State 
support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized adoption. Courts may 
grant relatives guardianship of the children; the guardianship may be financially supported 
by the Deparment of Children and Famly Services. Finally, the child may remai in 
permanent foster care with the relative, with the State and the courts contiuing to 
supervise and support the placement. 
INIANA 
When children in the custody of the Family and Social Service Administration require out-
of-home placement, staff routinely make efforts to place them with relatives. State policy 
requires staf to consider relatives as the first alternative for foster-care placement. This 
requirement has been a par of State policy since 1986, and was evident in some counties 
policies and practices prior to that time. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automaticaly preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The incidence of relative foster home placements has increased greatly over the last five 
fiscal years. Administrators cited two factors as the most significant contrbutors to this 
increase: 1) prior to 1984, foster-care policy was made in the counties, and many 
counties' policies actively discouraged measures which included children living with 
relatives as par of the foster-care system; and, 2) State training in 1986 actively 
encouraged staff to seek relatives to care for children in the custody of the State. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
A few relative foster homes are licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; and, the 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and a signed criminal history statement. To 
be licensed, relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent orientation and ongoing training. 
Most relative foster homes are not licensed. These homes are approved at the County 
level rather than licensed by the State. The standards are similar to those for licensing, but 
regulations do not specify specific minimums, and training is not required. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Administrators 
indicated relatives usually are licensed only if they wish to provide foster care to non-
related children as well as their own family members.  Foster-care staff must visit all foster homes (with relatives and non-relatives) every 60 
days. The Deparent does not provide ongoing training specifically focused on 
supervising relative foster-care placements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed or approved and if the famly seeks such support. Children in the 
custody of the State child welfare agency and who were eligible for AFDC prior to 
enterig foster care are eligible for medical and denta benefits. Relatives are not excluded 
from any social services which the State "makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Ideally, children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives are 
adopted by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for 
county or Title IV-E adoption subsidies. The courts may grant guardianship to the 
relatives, or may order joint guardianship to the relatives and the county. Only 
in the 
latter situation can the Deparment continue assistance to the relatives and children. 
Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency continuing to 
support and monitor placements.

IOWA 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Human Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives as the fIrst alternative for 
foster-care placement. This requirement has been a par of State policy since 1986. There 
are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 
The Deparment cannot specifically identify relative foster homes, but administrators 
indicated the number of such placements has remained relatively stable over the last five 
years. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; and, the 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. In order to be licensed, relatives must paricipate in foster-parent training.  Deparment policy does allow provisional licensing for up to ninety days until the relative 
completes the licensing application process. 
Children also may be placed with relatives who are not licensed foster parents. Whle the 
agency has no formal review process required by law or rule prior to placing children in 
such situations, the staff usually conduct a home study. 
The decision to seek licensed status is made by the relatives, usually based upon famlies 
financial needs. Administrators could not provide information concerning the proportion of 
licensed relative foster homes to unlicensed relative homes where children are placed. 
Foster-care staf must visit all children and foster parents based upon the needs of 
individual children, but at least every 30 days. The Deparent of Human Services does 
not provide special trainig concernng supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed and the relative requests assistance. Any child in the custody 
of the State 
child welfare agency is eligible for medical and denta benefits. Relatives are not excluded 
from any social services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Alternatively, relatives may seek guardianship for children and end State 
supervision and assistance. Only if no other permanent option is available, children may 
be classified as being in long-term foster care with the State agency continuing to support 
and monitor placements.
 KANSAS 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State practice is to look to relatives as a placement resource. There are 
no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children, but court orders may direct the agency to place, or not place 
children with relatives. State statute requires legal notice to grandparents or other 
significant relatives whenever transfer of custody occurs. 
The number of relative placements has risen slightly over the last five years, but 
administrators were uncertn of the cause for the increase. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes are approved as meeting the standards promulgated by the 
Deparment of Health and Environment. The relatives' homes must meet basic health, 
safety, and space standards; and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection 
for the child as demonstrated though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal 
and protective service records checks. To be approved, the relatives also must paricipate 
parent orientation. Certn non-essential qualifications such as age, income, and 
in foster-
space or beds available, may be waived in the approval process. 
Foster-care staf must visit all children and foster parents every 90 to 180 days. The 
Deparment of Social Services does not provide special training concernng supervision of 
relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Although a distinction is made in State policy between those receiving foster-care 
maintenance though Federal funds and those receiving reimbursement though State funds, 
all relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is approved as meeting licensing stadards. Any child in the custody of the State 
child welfare agency is eligible for a Kansas Medicaid Plan medical card which covers 
medical costs. Relatives are eligible for social services which the State makes available to 
non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives with State support if the children are "special needs" children as defined by 
policy. Children may be considered in long-term foster care with relatives if that is the 
long-term plan for children and if the famlies enter into a long-term contract with the 
Deparment. Rarely do relatives seek guardianship for children.  KENTUCKY 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives in makng foster-care 
placements. This requirement was included in State policy before 1980. 
Relatives are not considered as possible foster-care providers for children who are placed 
in the custody of the Deparent in order to find an adoptive home, or when there is 
evidence of intergenerational abuse. 
The Deparent could not provide a count of relative foster homes, but admnistrators 
indicated there had been a slight increase in the number of such placements over the last 
five years.

Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State approves foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
The Deparent may approve relative foster homes based upon the same criteria as non-
relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; 
and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as 
demonstrated though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective 
service records checks. To be approved, relatives also must parcipate in foster-parent 
trainig programs. The Deparent can waive age and length of marage criteria, and 
requirements for pre-service trainig. 
The Deparment also may place children in relative foster homes that are not approved. 
Children s social workers must review these homes and develop a description of the home 
for the case record. There are no formal stadards for such reviews. 
The relatives or the Deparment may decide if the relatives should seek approval as foster 
parents. Administrators could not provide information concernng the proportion of 
licensed relative foster homes to unlicensed relative foster homes. 
Foster-care staff must visit all foster homes every 30 days. The Deparment does not offer 
special training on supervising relative foster-care placement. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is approved. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible 
for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which 
the State makes available to non-related foster parents.  Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements, or children may be placed in the permanent 
custody of relatives with the State agency relinquishing all rights and responsibilities for 
the children. 
LOUISIANA 5 
Children in the custody of the Department of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives as the first alterntive for 
foster-care placement. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically 
preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 

The Department s data system does not isolate placements with relatives, but 
administrators indicated that the number of such placements has decreased slightly over 
the last five years. Relative foster-care placements increased some years ago after 
intensive Statewide training concerning kinship and foster care, but once such training 
ended, the number of new relative placements dropped signifcantly. 
Approval and Monitorinl! of Relative Foster Homes 
The Department approves foster family homes for receiving children in the custody of the 
homes are approved based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
State. Relative foster 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; and, 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
through a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be approved, the relatives also must participate in foster-parent orientation 
and ongoing training. 
Children also may be placed in unapproved "relative placements. " These homes are 
studied by the children s social workers to ensure they meet the basic health and safety 
needs of the children. 
Relatives usually seek approval if they wish to care for other non-related children. 
Therefore, few are approved. 
5 Itacs indicate State staf did not respond to our written request to verify interview infonnation 
reported here.  Foster-care staff must visit all foster home every 30 days. The Department does not 
provide training concerning supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is approved. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible 
for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which 
the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
PermnencY Options 
Children with permnent plans callng  relatives may be adopted 
for them to remain with 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. This option is rarely used by relatives, however. Children may be considered in 
long-term foster care, with the State agency continuing to support and monitor placements, 
or children may be placed in the permnent custody of relatives with the State agency 
relinquishing all rights and responsibilities for the child. This latter option frequently is 
the goal for children who come into care while already in the home of the relative. 
MAINE 
The Deparment of Human Services occasionally places children in its custody with 
relatives, but with caution. State policy does not give automatic preference to relatives. 
Children are placed with relatives only when assessment of the relatives and their 
relationships with the children s parents indicate they are capable of protectig and 
meeting the needs of the children and they wil paricipate cooperatively in plans reunify 
children with their parents or to have a permanent famly. There are no situations defined 
by regulation, however, that automatically preclude consideration of relative foster-care 
placements for children. 
The number of relative foster-care placements has remained relatively stable over the last 
five years.

Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Most relative foster homes are approved based upon the same criteria used for licensing 
non-relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space 
standards; and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as 
demonstrated though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective 
service records checks. To be approved, the relatives also must parcipate in foster parent, pre-service training. The training requirement may be waived, as may other 
standards, if the home contains compensatory features or strengths. 
Children also may be placed with relatives who do not meet licensing standards. Foster-
care staf complete basic studies of the relatives' homes. Most relative foster homes are 
approved as meeting licensing stadards. The Deparent only places children in the 
homes of relatives who canot meet licensing standards, if the home is evaluated as the 
best placement for the child. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children in the Deparent' s care or custody at least every 
180 days. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
All relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments on the 
same basis as non-related foster parents. Any child in the custody of the State child 
welfare agency is eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from 
any social services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans for adoption may be adopted by relatives who meet 
minimal stadards for approval for adoption. State support continues only if the child is 
eligible for subsidized adoption. Children may be considered in long-term foster care with 
the State agency continuing to support and monitor placements, or children may be placed 
in the custody of relatives with the State agency relinquishing all rights and responsibilties 
for the child.

MARYLAND 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Human Resources routinely are provided care 
demands staf consider relatives as the fIrst 
by relatives. State policy  alternative for 
placement. A program specifically designed to provide services to children placed with 
relatives was established in 1983. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The data concerning children placed with relatives are divided between two different 
programs: the Extended Famly Services Program and the Foster Care Program. Both 
programs show increases in the number of children placed with relatives over the last five 
years. The Extended Famly Services program has shown quite large increases during this 
this increase to increased attention in the Deparment to 
period. Administrators attrbute 
kiship placements, and to rapidly rising need to place children.  Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space stadards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and crinal and protective service records 
checks. To be approved, the relatives also must parcipate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. 
Children also may be placed in Extended Famly Placements which are not licensed as 
foster homes. Social services staff complete a health and santation inventory on these 
homes, check criminal background and protective services records, and assess family 
functioning and the relatives' abilty to provide a safe nurring environment for the child. 
The decision to seek licensed status is made by the relatives. Approximately ten percent 
of all relative foster homes are licensed. 
Foster-care staf must visit children in licensed foster homes every 30 days and children in 
Extended Famly Placement every 60 days. The Deparment does provide training on the 
requirements surrounding Extended Famly Placements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives receive foster-care maitenance payments if the foster home is licensed as a 
foster home. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Relatives providing licensed foster care are eligible for all 
services available to other licensed foster parents. Famlies served by the Extended Famly 
Services Program receive the same services required by law and regulation for foster care. 
The exception is day care for which extended famly placement parcipants are a priority, 
but they must meet a needs test. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives include custody 
and guardianship to the relative, adoption and long-term foster care. When relatives 
assume guardianship, the State s legal responsibility for the child is rescinded, but services 
may be provided on a voluntar basis. If the relative adopts the child, the Deparent 
may provide an adoption subsidy if the child was in licensed foster care and met eligibility 
requirements. Children in long-term foster care continue to receive the services and 
protections of regular foster care.  MASSACHUSETTS 
Children in the custody of the Departent of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
mae 
care by relatives. State policy has  special note of such foster homes since the early 
1980s. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude 
consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of such placements has risen somewhat in the last five years. Administrators 
indicated that increased Departental emphasis on the importance of maintaining family 
ties has resulted in the increased use of relatives. 
AIJIJroval and Monitorin  of Relative Foster Homes 
The State approves foster family homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes are approved based upon the same criteria as non-relatives ' homes: 
the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space standards; and, relatives 
must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated through a 
psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records checks. 
To secure general approval, the relatives must participate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. When relative foster homes are approved only for specifc children, the 
Departent waives training as well some requirements that are not essential to the health 
and safety of the children placed. 
Foster-care staff must visit all foster homes every 30 days. Home finding staff also 
annually re-evaluate all but specifc foster homes. The Department does not provide 
special training concerning supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other SUIJIJort Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care can receive foster-care maintenance payments or a 
combination of AFDC grants brought to the same level as foster-care maintenance through 
State funding. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents, but a respite exchange available 
through the State organization for foster parents is not 
available to specifc placements. 
Permnency OIJtions 
Children with permnent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
6 Itaics indicate State staf did not respond to our written request to verify intervew infonnation 
report 
here.  adoption. The relatives may secure legal guardianship for the child and, based upon the 
court order, the Departent of Social Services may continue some support for the 
family. 
MICIDGAN 
Chidren in the custody of the Deparent of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staf consider relatives as the fIrst alternative for 
foster-care placement. Ths requiement has been a par of State policy since the early 
1980s and was reaffirmed in 1986. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of relative foster-care placements has remained relatively stable over the last 
five years.

Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon similar criteria to those used to license 
non-relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health and safety standards; 
and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as 
demonstrated though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective 
service records checks. To be licensed, the relatives also must parcipate in foster-parent 
orientation and ongoing training. 
Chidren also may be placed in unlcensed relative foster homes. These homes are 
assessed by children s social workers to ensure that the relatives can provide adequate care 
and protection for the child. 
The decision to seek licensed status is made by the relative. If the relative or home does 
not meet licensing stadards, staff wil arange for assessment. Administrators estimate 
that between 1/3 to 1/2 of relative foster homes are licensed. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The supervisory 
requirement is identical for both the licensed relative and non-
licensed relative settig. 
The Deparment of Social Services does not provide special training concernng 
supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. Children in licensed relative foster-care homes are eligible for medical 
and dental benefits. If the court maintans jurisdiction and the relatives are not licensed  AFC 
the child is eligible for  benefits and related medical insurance. The relative must 
apply for these benefits on behalf of the child, however. Eligibilty for supportve services 
for both the child and the provider may var between the two types of relative placement 
settings. Licensing is required in order for the relatives to use day care and respite care 
resources. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements as long as the courts maintan jurisdiction. 
Children may be placed in the permanent custody of relatives with the State agency 
reliquishing all rights and responsibilties for the child (i.e., guardianship status). 
MINNESOTA 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Human Services routinely are provided foster 
demands staff consider relatives as the fIrst alternative for 
care by relatives. State policy 
foster-care placement. Ths requirement has been a par of State policy since 1983, and 
has gained increased attention though Heritage Preservation legislation in the State. There 
are no situations defmed by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 
The incidence of relative foster home placements has increased greatly over the last five 
fiscal years. Administrators explained the Deparment has reached a point at which 
relatives are the common fIrst consideration for placing children. 
Approval and Monitoring of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space stadards; and, the 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
tchohugeh ca pksycsho.s ocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records
Children also may be placed in unlicensed relative foster homes. These homes are 
approved for specific children. Standards var by county, and range from requirements 
and processes similar to licensing to the standards used for determning safety in protective 
service situations.  Administrators could not provide information concerning the proporton 
of licensed relative 
foster homes to specific foster homes, nor are the criteria clear for determning if homes 
should be licensed. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 15 days for the first 
thee 
months after children enter the homes. Thereafter, visits are required every 30 days. The
Deparent of Human Services does not provide special training concernng supervision of 
relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Whether or not a relative receives foster-care reimbursement largely depends upon whether 
the relative needs or wants such assistace and upon county policies. 
Any child in the
custody of the Deparent for thrt days is eligible for medcal and dental benefits. 
counties individually control eligibilty for social services and some may limit relatives 
access to some services. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remai with relatives may be adopted
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements, but without court 
supervision. Children 
may be placed in the permanent custody of relatives with the State agency 
relinquishing all
rights and responsibilities for the child. 
MISSISSIPPI 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Human Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staf consider relatives as the first alternative for 
foster-care placement. Ths requirement has been a par of State policy since 1982. There 
are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 
Although no statistics are available, administrators believe the number of relative foster-
care placements has risen slightly over the last five years largely because a shortage of 
foster homes has forced workers to search harder for relatives to care for children. 
Approval and Monitorin  of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives  homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as 
demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and crinal and protective service records 
checks. Home finding staf may request an exception to criteria not related to the health 
and safety of the child. 
Children also may be placed in unlicensed relative foster homes. These homes are 
reviewed more informally; relatives do not necessarly have to submit to background or 
reference checks, nor must they attend training. 
Staf are required to inform relatives of the option of having their homes licensed, but the 
decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Administrators could not 
provide inormation concernng the proporton of licensed relative foster homes to 
unlicensed relative foster homes. 
Staf must visit all children in the Deparment's custody at least every 30 days. The 
Deparment does not provide special training concernng supervision of relative foster-care 
homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Non-licensed relatives are excluded from many social 
services which the State makes available to licensed foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives and who are freed 
for adoption may be adopted by the relative. State support continues only if the child is 
eligible for subsidized adoption. Children may enter formalized foster care with the State 
agency continuing to support and monitor placements on a reduced basis.  MISSOURI 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives as the first alternative for 
foster-care placement. Ths requirement has been a par of State policy since 1980. There 
are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 
The number of relative foster-care placements has remaied relatively stable over the last 
five years.

Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be certified based upon a similar process to that employed for 
non-relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space
standards; and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as 
demonstrated though a social assessment, references, and criminal and protective service 
records checks. Pre-service traing is waived, and smoke detectors and fire extinguishers 
are not required.

The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Relatives rarely seek 
licensed status. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Deparent
of Social Services does not provide special training concernng supervision of relative 
foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the children 
were eligible for AFDC prior to entering foster care. Approximately 60% of the children 
in the care of relatives are covered by foster-care maintenance payments. Any child in the
custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and denta benefits. 
Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the State makes available to 
non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements. Relatives may seek 
guardianship for
children though the courts. Once custody transfers to the relative foster-care services and 
benefits are withdrawn unless there is an identified need for after-care services.  MONTANA 
The Departmnt of Family Services occasionally places children in its care in relative 
foster homes. Such  Earlier, the State
placements have been allowed in policy since  1986. 
had a policy against such placements. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children, but routine 
procedures stress the need for caution in sexual abuse situations and situations in which 
the child has been removed from very violent situations. 
State data do not separately identif children in relative foster homes. Administrators 
indicated there had been a slight increase in the number of relative placements largely as 
a result of improvements in the Department s Indian Child Welfare Act implementation. 
AIJIJroval and MonitorinJ! of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses all foster family homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes are licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives ' homes: 
the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; and
, relatives 
must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated through a 
psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records checks. 
To be approved, the relatives also must participate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 
days. The Department 
of Family Services does not provide special training concerning supervision of relative 
foster homes.

Financial and Other SUIJIJort Services for Relative Foster Parents 
All relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments. Any child 
in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and dental benefits. 
Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the State makes available to 
non-related foster parents.

Permanency OIJtions 
Children with permnent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permnent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements. 
7 Itacs indicate State staf did not r
 espond to our written request to verify interview infonnation 
reported here.  NEBRASKA 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy requires staff to consider relatives as the first alternative for 
foster-care placement. Ths requirement has been a par of State policy since the early 
1980s. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude 
consideration of relative placements for children. 
The Deparent experienced an increase in relative foster-care placements in the late 
1980s, but since 1990 the number of such placements has remained relatively stable. 
Administrators point to the increased emphasis on the value of maintaning famly ties, and 
to the shortge of other foster homes as factors in the increased use of relative foster 
homes. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
If relatives can meet licensing requirements, they can be licensed. Relatives who canot 
meet licensing requirements must be approved in order to receive specific children. The 
approval process includes a home study and a background check to ensure the general 
safety of the children placed in the home. Training requirements are waived for relatives 
although they are encouraged to paricipate. 
Foster-care staf must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Deparment 
of Social Services does not provide special training concerning supervision of relative 
foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the relative 
accepts such payments. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is 
eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social 
services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements. Relatives may seek guardianship for 
children though the courts. Once custody transfers to the relative, foster-care services and 
benefits are withdrawn unless the famly qualifies for State-provided subsidized 
guardianship or AFDC relative payee.  NEVADA 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Human Resources routinely are provided 
foster care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives as the first 
alternative for foster-care placement. Ths requirement was included in State policy prior 
to 1980. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude 
consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of relative foster-care placements has increased somewhat over the last five 
years, largely because of increased worker acceptance of relatives as a viable resource in 
helping famlies.

Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Most relative foster homes are licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space standards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
through a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be licensed, the relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing traing. If relatives refuse to parcipate in training, children may still be placed 
with them, but the home is not licensed. Some homes may be licensed without home 
studies because of specific orders of the court at the custody hearng. 
Staf must visit non-relative foster homes every 60 days, but is not required to meet ths 
schedule for relative foster-care homes. Deparment of Human Services does not provide 
special training concerning supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care are eligible for foster-care maintenance payments if the 
foster home is licensed or meets licensing criteria. Any child in the custody of the State 
child welfare agency is eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded 
from any social services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements but at a much lower level. 
Relatives may 
seek guardianship for children though the courts. Once custody transfers to the relative 
foster-care services and benefits are withdrawn.  HAMPSHIRE 
NEW 
Children in the custody of the Division of Children and Youth Services routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of relative foster-care placements has increased over the last five years largely 
as a result of increased staf awareness of the importce of kinship ties. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The Division licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the 
State, but, in general, relative foster homes are not licensed. Child protection social 
workers and juvenile services officers study family relationships and basic safety issues 
and must submit their evaluations to the cours for approval, but the agency has no formal 
policy for reviewing relative foster-care homes. 
Foster-care staf must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Division of 
Children and Youth Services does not provide special training concernng supervision of 
relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care do not receive general foster-care 
maintenance payments 
unless the foster home is licensed. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare 
agency is eligible for medical and denta benefits. Relatives, because they are not licensed 
do not belong to the State foster-care 
association. Respite-care services and liability 
insurance are available only to licensed foster parents; therefore, most relatives do not have 
access to these services. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives who have been 
freed for adoption may be adopted by the relative. State support continues only if the 
child is eligible for subsidized adoption. Relatives may seek guardianship for children 
though the courts. Once guardianship transfers to the relative, foster-care services and 
benefits are withdrawn.  NEW JERSEY 
State policy requires that staff conduct a comprehensive search for all known relatives to 
assess the appropriateness of their providing a home for a child. 
This has been par of 
State policy since 1981. There are no regulations that automatically preclude consideration 
of relative placements for children. 
At the tie of the initial interview, the Deparent' s data system could not separately 
identify all children placed with relatives. (Current reporting from the State indicates the 
Deparment can now provide such information.) Administrators stated, however, the 
number of such placements seemed to have risen slightly over the last five years largely as 
a result of the increasing seriousness of the problems faced by the children coming into 
care. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
Children placed with relatives by the Division of Youth and Famly Services may be 
considered 1) in a regular approved foster home, in which the relatives are approved as 
meeting the same stadards as non-related foster-care providers, or 2) a free home, in 
which the agency made an individual assessment and determned the relative 
s ability to 
appropriately care for the child. 
Caregivers may directly apply to be regular foster parents for related children only when 
the Division places children in the homes of relatives, or children are placed with the 
relatives as the result of litigation initiated by the Division, and the children were AFDC 
recipients in the home from which they were removed. 
The Division has another category of substitute care called para-foster care. Ths is an 
income maintenance program for children placed by someone other than the Division. 
Relative caregivers are eligible for para-foster parent consideration only when lack of 
documentation of the relationship or too distant a relationship makes the relatives ineligible 
for AFDC payments on behalf of the children. Para-foster stadards are not as strngent as 
those for regular foster-care approval. Once approved as a para-foster parent, a relative 
may apply and become a regular foster parent if all standards are met. Relative foster-care 
providers are about equally distrbuted among the three programs. 
Casework staff visit all children according to a schedule specified in the plan for the child. 
The caseworker and supervisor establish the visitation schedule based upon the needs of 
the child and caregiver.

Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments only if the 
foster home is approved. Para-foster parents receive payments comparable to AFDC for a 
famly size of one. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible  for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which 
the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
For some children, some form of long-term care by relatives may be the permanent plan. 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remai with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in long-term foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements based on the needs of the famly and child. 
NEW MEXICO 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Human Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives as the first alternative for 
foster-care placement. Ths requirement was added to State policy before 1980. There are 
no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 
The number of relative foster-care placements has remained relatively stable over the last 
five years, largely because of the increased pressure to find homes for the children entering 
foster care.

Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes must be licensed as well, but the child may be placed before the 
licensing is completed. Relatives' homes must meet basic health and safety standards 
although the space and physical conditions requirements may be lower. The relatives must 
be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated though a social 
work assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records checks. To be 
licensed, the relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent orientation and ongoing 
training. 
Relatives can sign a conditional substitute care agreement. This agreement allows relatives 
to assume care of children without a license but binds the relative to complete the 
licensing process withn four months. 
Social workers must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Human 
Services Deparment does not provide special training concerning supervision of relative 
foster homes as distinct from other foster homes.  Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Most relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments. 
All are 
eligible for foster-care reimbursement, but some famlies decline such support. 
Any child
in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and denta benefits. 
Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the State makes available to 
non-related foster parents. 
Permanency OPtions 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remai with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Relatives may seek guardianship for children though the courts. Once custody
transfers to the relative foster-care services and benefits are withdrawn. 
NEW YORK 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives as the first alternative for 
foster-care placement. Ths 
requirement has been a par of State law since 1987. There 
are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 
The number of children placed with relatives has risen greatly over the last five years. 
Administrators attrbute the rapid rise in such 
placements to two factors: a State Supreme 
Court case brought in 1986  (Eu~ene F. v. Gross) that resulted in State action incorporating 
relatives in the traditional foster-care system; and the passage of legislation demanding 
that staf considered relatives when placing children in foster homes. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon stadards the same criteria used for non-
relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health and safety standards; and 
relatives must be capable of providig care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be licensed, the relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. 
Children also may be placed in approved relative foster homes. 
These homes are reviewed 
based upon the same criteria used for licensed homes but the Deparent 
can waive space  and physical facility standards and age requirements. The decision to seek licensed 
status 
usually is made by the relatives. Administrators stated that most relatives are approved. 
Foster-care staf must visit children monthly or quarerly depending on whether children 
are in placement for child problems or parental problems. The Deparment of Social 
Services is developing a training currculum for working with relative 
foster-care providers. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maitenance payments. Any child in 
the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and dental benefits 
unless the child is covered by private insurance. Relatives are not excluded from any 
social services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for 
subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements. The courts may grant relatives direct 
custody or guardianship (a stronger legal relationship) of the children. Whle relatives who 
obtan direct custody of children may be eligible for continued social services, they do not 
receive foster-care maintenance payments for care of the child. 
NORTH CAROLINA 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Human 
Resources routiely are provided 
foster care by relatives. State policy states a preference for relative foster-care placements 
where appropriate. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically 
preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The Deparment' s data system did not separately identify children placed with relatives 
until 1990, and administrators were uncertin of whether use of relative foster homes had 
undergone significant change over the last five years. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The county agencies license foster family homes for receiving children in the custody of 
the State. Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-
relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; 
and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as 
demonstrated through a psychosocial assessment and reference checks. Waivers can be  granted for space, age, and martal status. Children also may be placed in unlicensed 
relative foster homes; counties determne what standards should be applicable. 
Relatives' homes are licensed if the relatives want to be licensed and if the home can meet 
licensing criteria. The Deparent canot license foster parents who canot meet basic 
health and safety standards. Court orders concernng custody of children may stipulate 
parcular licensing arangements. Less than thee percent of relatives' homes are licensed. 
Foster-care staff must visit all licensed foster homes every 90 days; there are no policy 
homes. Staf do not receive specialized training concernng 
guidelies for unlicensed 
supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. Any Title IV-E eligible child is eligible for medical and dental benefits. 
For children who are not Title IV -E eligible, staff must make a determnation of their 
eligibilty for Medicaid. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
Deparment makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the Deparment 
continuing to support and monitor placements; judicial reviews may be discontinued at the 
discretion of the courts. Relatives may seek guardianship or temporar custody for 
children though the courts. Once custody transfers to the relative, foster-care services and 
benefits are withdrawn.  DAKOTA 
NORTH 
The Departent Human Services routinely arranges for foster care provided by relatives 
County supervisors. State policy demands staff consider 
for children in the custody of the 
relatives as the first alternative for foster-care placement. 
This requirement has been a 
part of State policy for most of the history of the Departent. 
The Department s data system cannot separately identif children placed with relatives. 
Administrators stated, however, the number of relative foster-care placements has 
remained relatively stable. 
AVIJroval and Monitorinl! of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster family homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; and, 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child 
as demonstrated 
through a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be approved, the relatives also must participate in foster-parent orientation 
and ongoing training. Children also may be placed in unlicensed relative foster homes. 
These homes are reviewed at the county level, and each county determines its own methods 
and standards for conducting these reviews. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Administrators could 
not provide informtion concerning the proportion of licensed relative foster homes to 
unlicensed relative foster homes. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Departmnt 
of Human Services does not provide special training concerning supervision 
of relative 
foster homes.

Financial and Other SUIJIJort Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. Financially eligible children in the custody of the Department receive 
medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
8 Itacs indicate 

State staf did not respond to our written request to verify interview infonnation 
reported here.  Permanency Ovtions 
Children with permnent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permnent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements, or their long-term custody may be 
transferred to a special Casey Foundtion Family Program for intensive services and 
monitoring. Relatives may seek guardianship for children through the courts. Once 
custody transfers to the relative foster-care services and benefits are withdrawn. Because 
of the complexity of the guardianship process, relatives rarely pursue this option. 
OHIO 
Children in the custody of the Public Children s Services Agencies (PCSAs) routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives. State policy requires staf to investigate having relatives 
assume care for children as an alternative to foster care and, if children do come into the 
custody of the PCSAs, it requires staf to consider relatives as the first alternative for 
foster-care placement. Ths requirement has been a par of State policy since 1987. 
The number of children placed in relative foster homes has risen greatly in the last five 
years. Administrators stated ths increase was the result of the passage of the State statute 
requirng Deparental focus on these types of placements. Administrators also note there 
has been a significant increase in the number of children in the custody of relatives for 
whom the Department has supervisory responsibilty as a result of court orders. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The Deparment of Human Services certfies foster famly homes for receiving children in 
the custody of the PCSAs. Relative foster homes can be certfied based upon the same 
criteria as non-relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and 
space stadards; and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the 
child as demonstrated though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and 
protective service records checks. To be certfied, the relatives also must parcipate in 
foster-parent orientation and ongoing training. 
Children also may be placed in approved relative homes. These homes must meet the 
same basic standards as licensed foster homes, but waivers of non-essential criteria are 
more likely. 
PCSAs determne if a relative home should be certified. Administrators could not provide 
inormation concernng the proportion of certified relative foster homes to approved 
relative homes, but they believed the number of certified homes to be quite small.  Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every four weeks. The 
Deparment of Human Services does not provide special training concernng supervision of 
relative homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the home is 
certified. All children in the custody of the PCSAs are eligible for medical and denta 
benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the State makes 
available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Permanent care by a relative is a permanency goal in the State. Children with permanent 
plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted by relatives with State 
support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized adoption. Courts may 
grant relatives guardianship or legal custody of children. Finally, children may remain in 
, with the State continuing to supervise and (if 
permanent foster care with the relative
licensed) support these placements.

OKLAHOMA 
The Deparment of Human Services occasionally places children in its custody in relative 
foster-care homes. Only children in paid relative foster homes and some Native American 
children in supervised relative foster homes are included in the State s foster-care data 
base. Based upon a paral count, administrators noted that the number of relative foster-
care placements has risen greatly, parcularly in the urban 
areas of the State. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be licensed, the relatives also must parcipate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. 
Children also may be placed in unlicensed relative homes. For these homes, the county 
agencies conduct their own home studies with standards similar to licensing stadards.  The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Administrators could 
not provide information concerning the proportion of licensed relative foster homes to 
unlicensed relative foster homes. Foster-care payment records would indicate that about 
25 % of the homes are licensed. 
Foster-care staff must visit all paid foster homes every 30 days. Staff must visit children 
in other homes based upon famly services policies which are similar to foster-care 
policies. The Deparent does not provide specialized training on supervising relative 
foster homes, but does give policy guidance for monitoring paid or unpaid 
placements. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Permanent care by a relative is a permanency goal in the State. Children with permanent 
plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted by relatives with State 
support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized adoption. Courts may 
grant relatives guardianship of the children. Finally, children may remain in 
permanent 
foster care with the relative, with the State continuing to supervise the home on a less 
frequent basis and, if licensed, financially support the placement. 
OREGOJt 
Children in the custody of the Department of Human Resources routinely are provided 
demands staff consider relatives as the first 
foster care by relatives. State policy 
alterntive for foster-care placement. This requirement has been a part of State policy 
since the early 1980s. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically 
preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of children placed with relatives, particularly in non-paid relative placements,
has increased greatly over the last five years. Administrators stated the rise was due to 
increased emphasis on relative foster homes in agency practice standards and policy. 
9 Itaics indicate State staf did not 
respond to our written request to verify interview infonnation 
reported here.  AVIJroval and MonitorinJ! of Relative Foster Homes 
The State certifes foster family homes for receiving children in the custody 
of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be certifed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; and, 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
through a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be certifed, the relatives also must participate in foster-parent, pre-service 
training. 
Children also may be placed in uncertifed relative foster homes. Local foster-care staff 
check these homes for basic safety, and may check relatives through the Departent 
back records. 
The Department accepts applications for licensing only from relative foster parents who
wil care for children who are eligible for Federal Title IV-E funding (i.  , prior to 
entering the Department s custody, the children were not living in the home and were 
eligible for AFDC). 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 
days. The Department 
of Human Resources does not provide special training concerning supervision of relative 
foster homes.

Financial and Other Suvvort Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive 
foster-care maintenance payments if the foster
home is certifed and the children are eligible for Title IV-
E foster-care funds (Lipscomb 
Simmons, now before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals challenges Oregon s exclusion 
of non-IV-E eligible children placed with relatives from State foster-care funding. 
Children in certifed relative homes are eligible for medical and dental benefits. Non
certifed relatives are excluded from some social services which the State makes available 
to non-related foster parents, and are not covered by Foster Care Liability Insurance. 
Permnency Ovtions 
Children with permnent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permnent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support certifed placements. Relatives may seek guardianship for children 
through the courts. Once custody transfers to the relative, foster-care services and 
benefits are withdrawn.  PENNSYL VANIA 
Children in the custody of the Office of Children, Youth, and Famlies routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives in most counties of the State. A State Bulletin distrbuted 
in 1982 encouraged staf to search for and use relatives as foster parents for chidren when 
appropriate. 
The agency s data system canot separately identify children placed in relative foster-care 
homes. Admnistrators stated, however, that the number of children placed with relatives 
seems to have increased somewhat over the last five years, parcularly in urban areas. 
They attrbute this increase to two factors: the growing number of drug-addicted newborns 
being raised by grandparents, and the increased emphasis on extended famly ties within 
the Offce for Children, Youth and Famlies. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
Counties license foster famly homes for receiving 
children in the custody of the counties, 
including relative foster homes. The criteria for licensing relatives' homes are the same 
criteria as for non-relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, 
and space stadards; and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for 
children as demonstrated through a psychosocial assessment. To be approved, the relatives 
also must paricipate in foster-parent orientation and ongoing training. 
Foster-care staf must visit all children and foster parents on a schedule developed as par 
of the case plans. The Offce of Children, Youth, and Famlies does not provide special
traiing concernng supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments. Any child in 
the custody of the county agencies is eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives 
are not excluded from any social services which the State makes available to non-related 
foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the county agencies 
continuing to support and monitor placements. The counties may implement permanent 
plans for children called "Placement in the Home of a Relative. " In ths arangement, the 
agencies place children in the homes of relatives, offers intensive services, and, then when 
the placement is stable, transfers temporar custody to the relative and withdraws 
supervision and financial assistance from the family.  RHODE ISLAND 
Children in the custody of the Deparment for Children, Youth and Famlies routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives. A cour decision in the early 1980s required the 
Deparment look first to relatives as a source of care for children. There are no situations 
defIned by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for 
children. 
The number of relative foster-care placements has increased over the past five fiscal years. 
Admnistrators cited the success of Deparent efforts to educate 
staf about the 
importce of maintaning kiship ties as a major factor behind the increase. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The Deparment licenses foster family homes for receiving children in the custody of the 
State. All relative foster homes must be certified based upon similar criteria to those 
applied in licensing non-relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, 
safety, and space standards; and, relatives must be capable of providing care and protection 
for children as demonstrated though psychosocial assessments, references, and criminal 
and protective service records checks. Unlike non-related foster parents, relatives are not 
required to parcipate in foster-parent orientation and ongoing training. Relative foster 
homes are recertfied biennially. 
Relatives usually seek full licensed status only if they wish to care for other, non-related 
children. 
Direct services staf must visit all children and foster parents based upon individual case 
plans. The Deparment of Children, Youth, and Famlies does not provide 
special training 
concernng supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
All relatives who provide foster care and want reimbursement receive foster-care 
maintenance payments. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is 
eligible for medical and denta benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social 
services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives and for whom 
parental rights have been termnated may be adopted by the relative. State support 
continues only if the child is eligible for subsidized adoption. Children may be considered  in permanent foster care with the State agency continuing to support and monitor 
placements. 
SOUTH CAROLINA 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. Since the 1970s, State policy has allowed staff to consider relatives 
when aranging foster-care placements. There are no situations defmed by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children but protective 
services caseworkers and foster-care caseworkers must confer on whether relatives should 
be explored. 
The Deparment's data system does not separately identify children placed in relative foster 
homes. Administrators indicated, however, that the number of children placed with 
relatives has risen slightly, parally due to shortges of traditional, non-related foster 
homes. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space 
stadards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for children as demonstrated 
though psychosocial assessments, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be licensed, the relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent orientation and 
ongoing training. 
Relatives also may care for children by obtaining an "certficate of approval," which allows 
them to care only for specific related children. The approval process for obtaning the 
certficate is similar to the licensing evaluation except that these relatives are not required 
to obtain a medical reference nor must they parcipate in Deparmental training. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Fewer than five 
percent of relatives seek a certificate of approval rather than a license. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children in out of home care every 30 days. The 
Deparment of Social Services does not provide special training concernng supervision of 
relative foster homes.  Financial and Other Supoort Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. With few exceptions, children in out of home care are eligible for 
medical and dental benefits though Medicaid. Relatives are not excluded from any social 
services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the Deparent 
continuing to support and monitor placements. Relatives may seek legal custody for 
children though the courts. Once custody transfers to the relative foster-care services and 
benefits are withdrawn. 
SOUTH DAKOTA 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. As a result of the Indian Child Welfare Act 
passed in 1978, the 
Deparment has emphasized the importce of maintaig kinship ties when placing 
Native American children in foster care. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children, but indications of 
any abuse should cause staff to proceed cautiously in placing children. 
Until 1990, the Deparment' s data system could not separately identify children placed 
with relatives. Administrators indicated, however, that the number of children placed with 
relatives had grown, paricularly in reservation areas, over the last five years. They 
attrbuted the increase to the greater 
awareness of Indian Child Welfare Act requirements 
and to recognition among staff of the importance of famly connections. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space stadards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks; and the relatives must paricipate in foster-parent orientation and ongoing training. 
Children also may be placed in unlicensed relative foster homes. The Deparment must 
evaluate these homes for health and safety problems, insure there are no reports concerning  the relatives in the State s Protective Services Central Registr, and secure court approval 
for the placement. 
In general, only relatives who want to care for non-related children apply for licensing. 
Therefore, administrators indicated, there are few licensed relative foster homes. 
Foster-care staf must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Deparent 
of Social Services does not provide special training concernng supervision of relative 
foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support, if the relative is licensed, and monitor placements. Relatives may 
seek guardianship for children though the courts. Once custody transfers to relatives, they 
may receive a subsidy from the State to assist in the care of the children. 
TENNESSEElO 
Children in the custody of the Department of Human Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy demands staff consider relatives as the first alterntive for 
There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically 
foster-care placement. 
preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The Department s data system cannot separately identif children placed in relative foster-
care homes. Administrators indicated the number of such placements had increased over 
the past five years, largely because of policy and training emphasis on placing children in 
the "least restrictive environment" was beginning to take hold. 
1 0 Itaics indicate State staf did not respond to our written request to verify interview infonnation 
reported here.  Avvroval and MonitorinJ! of Relative Foster Homes 
The State approves foster family homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be approved based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space standrds; and, 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the child as demonstrated 
through a psychosocial assessment, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. To be approved, the relatives also must participate in foster-parent orientation. 
Children also may be placed in unapproved relative foster homes. These homes undergo 
risk assessment, and the relatives ' backgrounds are checked against police computers. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. Administrators could 
not provide informtion concerning the proportion of approved relative foster homes to 
unapproved relative foster homes. 
Foster-care staff must visit all approved foster homes every 30 days. Staff must visit 
children in unapproved homes on a regular schedule determined by the casework plan for 
the case.

Financial and Other Suvvort Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is approved.  legislation to facilitate relative placements encouraged the
In  1989, 
Departent to provide financial assistance to relatives if there are economic barriers to 
members. Any child in the custody of the Departent is 
placing children with family 
eligible for Federal or State medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from 
any social services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permnency Ovtions 
Children with permnent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permnent foster care with relatives if no other 
option is possible. The Department continues to monitor permnent foster-care placements 
on a quarterly basis and to provide assistance if it was previously available.  TEXAS 
The Deparment of Human Services occasionally places children for whom it has 
conservatorship with relatives. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of children placed with relatives has remained relatively stable over the last 
five years.

Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
There are two means of studying relative foster homes for placement of children: 
certfication as a foster home, or a relative home study. The Deparment 
certfies foster 
famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. Relative foster homes can 
be certified based upon the same criteria as non-relatives ' homes: the relatives ' homes 
must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; and, relatives must be capable of 
providing care and protection for the children as demonstrated though psychosocial 
assessments, references, and criminal and protective service records checks. To be 
certfied, the relatives also must paricipate in foster-parent training. The Deparent may 
allow varances for some stadards, but ths rarely happens. Few relative placements are 
certfied. 
Children usually are placed in uncertfied relative foster homes. These homes are reviewed 
by field staf through a home study and reference checks. 
Deparent staf determne whether relatives should apply for certfication based upon the 
financial needs of the famly. Administrators could identify only 12 certfied relative 
foster homes. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children in conservatorship every 30 days. The Deparment 
of Human Services does not provide special training concerning supervision of relative 
foster homes on a statewide basis. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who are certfied foster parents receive foster-care maintenance payments. 
Children in the custody of the State child welfare agency who receive care in licensed or 
certified foster homes are usually eligible for other foster-care assistace benefits including 
Medicaid and Early Periodic Screening Detection and Treatment (EPSDT). The 
abilty to 
provide supportve services is determned on a local level. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanency plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized  adoption. Relatives may seek to assume managing conservatorship for children though 
the cours. Once custody transfers to the relative, foster-care services and benefits are 
withdrawn. In exceptional situations, children may be considered in permanent foster care 
with the relative. The Deparent and the courts continue to support and monitor 
placements. 
UTAH 
Children in the custody of the Deparent of Human Services or for whom the Deparent 
exercises guardianship routinely are provided foster care by relatives. 
The Deparent's data system cannot separately identify all children placed in relative 
foster-care homes. Administrators were unable to estimate what the trend in use of relative 
homes had been over the last five years. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes must be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; and, 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the children as demonstrated 
though a psychosocial assessments, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. The relatives may paricipate in foster-parent training. Space standards and 
training can be waived. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Deparent 
of Human Services does not provide special training concerng supervision of relative 
foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Almost all relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance. A few 
relatives decline foster-care payments. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare 
agency is eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any 
social services which the State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
Children with permanent plans callng for 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
term foster care with the State agency 
adoption. Children may be considered in long-
continuing to support and monitor placements. Relatives may seek guardianship for  chidren though the courts. Once custody transfers to the relative foster-care services and 
benefits may be withdrawn. Adolescents who are 16 years old or older someties have 
a permanent plan independent living. In some cases, the adolescents may receive 
Independent Living transition assistace while boarding in the homes of relatives. 
VERMONT 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Social and Rehabiltation Services routinely 
are provided foster care by relatives. The Deparent encourages staff to investigate 
placements that maintan famly ties. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of foster-care placements with relatives has remained relatively stable over the 
past five years.

Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space stadards ; and, 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the children as demonstrated 
though psychosocial assessments, references, and crinal and protective service records 
checks. To be licensed, the relatives also must parcipate in foster-parent training. 
Children also may be placed in unlicensed relative foster homes. Foster-care staf conduct 
a home study to ensure the premises are free of danger, evaluate the relatives ' ability to 
care for the children, and secure agreements from the relatives that they wil cooperate 
with the Deparent in carng for the children. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives. 
Administrators could 
not provide the number of licensed relative foster homes, but indicated that more than half 
of relative foster-care parents were licensed. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents on a schedule 
specified in the 
case plan. The Deparment of Human Services does not provide special training 
concerning supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
homes are licensed; approved relatives can receive provisional foster-care maintenance 
payments. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for  medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents, but unlcensed relatives 
canot belong 
to the State Foster Care Association. Thus, they lose the benefit of that organization 
programs. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the Deparent 
contiuing to support and monitor placements. Relatives may seek guardianship for 
children though the courts. If relatives are named guardians for children and custody 
transfers to the relatives, foster-care services and benefits are withdrawn. The Deparent, 
however, does sometimes retan legal custody even if relatives are named as guardians for 
children. In this case, Deparental support can continue. 
VIRGIN 
Children in the custody of the Deparment of Social Services routinely are provided foster 
care by relatives. State policy since 1980 has identified placement with relatives as a 
placement goal. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude 
consideration of relative placements for children. 
The number of children placed with relatives has remained relatively stable over the last 
five years.

Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
All relative foster homes must be licensed, except for short-term placements durig which 
relatives need only secure 30-day approvals. Relatives' homes are licensed based upon the 
same criteria as non-relatives' homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, 
and space standards; and, relatives must be capable of providig care and protection for the 
children as demonstrated though psychosocial assessments, references, and crinal and 
protective service records checks. Relatives may parcipate in foster- parent training when 
it is offered by the agency. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 90 days. The Deparment 
of Social Services does not provide special training concerning supervision of relative 
foster homes.  Financial and Other SUPpOrt Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is fully licensed and the relative wants such assistace. Any child in the custody of 
the State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not 
excluded from any social services which the Deparment makes available to non-related 
foster parents.

Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callng for them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. The courts may order that children be placed in the permanent care of relatives 
which may end Deparmenta support and monitoring of placements. Finally, the courts 
might order that the children be placed in permanent foster care with the relative. Under 
such an order, the Deparent reduces monitoring of the placement but support continues. 
WASIDNGTON 
Children in the custody of the Division of Children and Famly Services 
routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives. Placing children with relatives has always been a priority 
in agency policies. There are no situations defined by regulation that automatically 
preclude consideration of relative placements for children, but staff are cautioned 
parcularly in abuse situations to assess the possibilty that the pattern of abuse is 
intergenerational. 
The number of children placed with relatives cannot be readily determned from the 
existing State data system, but a system the agency has recently implemented wil identify 
such placements. Administrators stated that the number of placements with relatives has 
remained relatively stable. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Some relative foster homes are licensed, based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the children as demonstrated 
though psychosocial assessments, references, and criminal and protective service records 
checks. The Division of Children and Famly Services offers licensing only to those 
individuals who care for IV -E eligible children.  Most relative foster homes are not licensed. Staff complete a detaled home study and 
background checks for unlicensed relative foster homes. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children every 30 days. 
Exceptions can be made to ths 
schedule with supervisory approval after dependency is established. The Deparent of 
Social Services does not provide special training concernng supervision of relative foster 
homes. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Licensed relatives who provide foster care to Title IV -E eligible children receive foster-
care maintenance payments. All children in the care of the Division are eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Those relatives who are not licensed are not eligible for 
clothg 
respite-care or  vouchers on behalf of children. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans calling for them to remain with relatives and for whom 
parenta rights have been termnated may be adopted by the relative. State support 
continues only if the child is eligible for subsidized adoption. The cours may order 
children placed in long-term foster care with the relative. The agency 
continues to support 
and monitor long-term foster care placements. The cours may grant guardianship to the 
relatives; ths action ends agency involvement with the famly. 
WEST VIRGINIA 
The Office of Social Services occasionally places children in its custody in relative foster-
care homes. Since 1980, one of the terms of a foster-care consent decree has requied the 
agency to use relatives, if available, for emergency placements for children. There are no 
situations defined by regulation that automatically preclude consideration of relative 
placements for children. 

The Office of Social Services data base does not separately identify children in relative 
foster-care placements. Admistrators stated, however, that the number of children placed 
with relatives had risen somewhat over the last five years, largely as a result of the 
decrease in the pool of available non-related foster homes. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster famly homes for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health , safety, and space stadards; and  relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the children as demonstrted 
though psychosocial and medical assessments. To be approved, the relatives also must 
parcipate in foster-parent orientation and agree to abide by Deparent policies and 
decisions. 
The agency also may place children in unlicensed relative foster homes. There are no 
formal procedures for review of these homes. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relative based upon their need 
for fmancial reimbursement and their wilingness to submit to State policies. Less than 
half of all relative foster homes are licensed. 
Foster-care staf must visit all non-relative foster homes every 30 days. Staf must visit 
children in relative foster homes more frequently than non-relative homes for the fIrst 90 
days. Mter the placement has stabilzed, foster-care staff visit the home less frequently 
than the 30-day requirement. 
Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care. receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed and if, prior to coming into the custody of the Offce 
of Social Services, 
the child was eligible for Aid to Famlies with Dependent Children and was not living with 
the relative. Any child in the custody of the State child welfare agency is eligible for 
medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not excluded from any social services which the 
State makes available to non-related foster parents. 
Permanency Options 
them to remain with relatives may be adopted 
Children with permanent plans callng for 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. The courts may order children placed in permanent foster care with the relative. 
The agency continues to support and monitor permanent foster-care placements.  WISCONSINll 
Children in the custody of the Bureau of Children, Youth and Families routinely are 
provided foster care by relatives. There are no situations defined by regulation that 
automatically preclude consideration of relative placements for children. 
The Bureau s data system cannot separately identif all placements with relative. 
Administrators stated, however, the number of children placed with relatives has remained 
relatively stable over the last five years. 
AIJIJroval and Monitorinl! of Relative Foster Homes 
The State licenses foster family homes 
for receiving children in the custody of the State. 
All relative foster homes must be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives ' homes must meet basic health, safety, and space standards; and 
relatives must be capable of providing care and protection for the children 
demonstrated through a psychosocial assessment. The Bureau may waive requirements 
relatives cannot meet them. 
The individual counties determine their own standrds for visiting foster homes. The 
Bureau of Children, Youth and Family Services does not provide special training 
concerning supervision of relative foster homes. 
Financial and Other SUIJIJort Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maintenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed and the family wants such reimbursement. Any child in the custody of the 
State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and dental benefits. Relatives are not 
excluded from any social services which the State makes available to non-related foster 
parents. 
Permnency OIJtions 
Children with permnent plans callng  relatives may be adopted 
for them to remain with 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. If the Bureau successfully petitions to terminate parental rights, but has no 
adoptive homes for children, the children are considered in sustaining care. The Bureau 
continues supporting and monitoring the placement. The court may approve moving 
children into long-term foster care with the relatives. The agency continues to support and 
monitor (on a reduced schedule) long-term, foster-care placements. Relatives may seek 
11 Itacs indicate 
State staf did not respond to our written request to verify interview infonnation 
reported here.  guardianship for children through the courts. Once custody transfers to the relative foster-
care services and benefits are withdrawn. 
WYOMING 
Children in the custody of the Division of Public Assistace and Social Services routinely 
are provided foster care by relatives. The Division also contracts with trbal authorities for 
placement of Native American children, and most of these placements are with relative 
foster-care providers. State policy demands staf consider relatives as the fIrst alternative 
for foster-care placement. Ths requirement has been a par of State policy since 1985. 
The Division cannot identify relative foster-care placements, parcularly for Native 
American children, but admistrators stated that the number of such placements had risen 
greatly over the last five years. They cited child protective training focusing on the
importce of maintaining children s famly ties, and the formation of agency policy in this 
area as the reasons for the shar rise in relative placements. 
Approval and Monitorin~ of Relative Foster Homes 
The Division licenses foster famy homes for receiving children in the custody of the 
State. Relative foster homes can be licensed based upon the same criteria as non-relatives 
homes: the relatives' homes must meet basic health and safety stadards; and, relatives 
must be capable of providing care and protection for the children as demonstrated though 
psychosocial assessments, references, and limited criminal and records checks. Foster-care 
licensing criteria may be waived, but the stadards usually do not present a barer to 
relative placements. 
Children also may be placed in unlicensed relative foster homes. These homes are 
reviewed only for conditions that might jeopardize the health and safety of the children 
placed there. 
The decision to seek licensed status usually is made by the relatives, but judges' rulings on 
the custody of children often order the Division to license relatives. Administrators could 
not provide information concerning the proportion of licensed relative foster homes to 
unlicensed relative foster homes, but they stated that most were licensed. 
Foster-care staff must visit all children and foster parents every 30 days. The Deparent 
of Human Services does not provide special training concerng supervision of relative 
foster homes.  Financial and Other Support Services for Relative Foster Parents 
Relatives who provide foster care receive foster-care maitenance payments if the foster 
home is licensed and the relative requires such assistace. Any child in the custody of the 
State child welfare agency is eligible for medical and denta benefits. Relatives are not 
excluded from any social services which the State makes available to non-related foster 
parents. 
Permanency Options 
Children with permanent plans callig for them to remai with relatives may be adopted 
by relatives, with State support continuing only if the children are eligible for subsidized 
adoption. Children may be considered in permanent foster care with the State agency 
continuing to support and monitor placements. Relatives may seek 
guardianship for 
children though the court. Once custody transfers to the relative, foster-care services and 
benefits are withdrawn.