When a child is removed from their parents’ care, it can feel absolutely devastating. However, kinship care can offer some improvements in overall outcomes, including creating a potentially more stable environment for children who need, for whatever reason, to be removed from the care of their biological parents. Before embarking on any type of foster care journey, make sure you understand the requirements of kinship care.
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care occurs when a child is cared for by family members or close family friends instead of going into a traditional foster care home. Kinship care can include care by anyone who has a close relationship with the child or family. When children enter into kinship care situations, they are placed with someone they already know and often trust, rather than going into a home with strangers.
Kinship Placement vs. Foster Care: Key Differences
While there are many similarities between kinship placement and traditional foster care, there are several key differences.
1. Informal vs. Formal Placements
Kinship care can either be formal, when the children have been placed in the state’s custody, and the kinship caregiver has been asked to care for them, or informal, when an arrangement is made between the parents and the kinship caregiver. These informal arrangements may be made when
a parent knows that a child may be taken away from them or they know they need more help for a period of time.
2. Licensing
Kinship caregivers may choose to go through the licensing process to become foster parents, but in some cases, kinship providers may not have to go through the formal licensing process. However, kinship providers may need to go through the formal foster training process in order to access full resources for foster parents.
3. Reimbursement
In an informal or unlicensed kinship placement, caregivers may not receive the reimbursement the state provides for foster parents, which can make managing finances more difficult.
Requirements for Kinship Care in Arizona
In order to be a kinship caregiver in Arizona, the caregiver must be at least 18 years old and able to meet the child’s needs. Sometimes, kinship caregivers will be approached by the Department of Child Safety (DCS) to determine whether they can take on care for the child. In other cases, potential caregivers may reach out to DCS to determine whether they can have the child placed in their home. Caregivers will need to go through a criminal background check and a DCS records check in order to make sure they do not have any child abuse or neglect reports or history on their records.
How to Become a Kinship Caregiver
If you’re thinking about becoming a kinship caregiver, start by reaching out to DCS or talking with the child’s caseworker. Prepare space for the child in the home, including making sure that they have a safe sleeping space. Then, be prepared for the rest of the process, including licensing and training, background checks, and a home study process. Even if you’re identified as a kinship caregiver, it may take time before the child is actually placed with you. Starting the licensing and class process early can make it easier to have your home approved. Get more information about foster care and be sure you’re prepared for the process.
Supporting Kinship and Foster Families
Kinship and foster families often encounter various challenges, including financial hardships. At Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF), we’re committed to easing those burdens by providing critical support, from financial assistance for tutoring, extracurricular activities and other needs. We also extend our help to Kinship caregivers, ensuring they have the resources necessary to provide stability and care for the children in their homes. Want to make a difference? Donate to AFFCF today or explore other ways to support these families.
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