FOSTER CARE/ADOPTION

KINSHIP CARE INFORMATION

When a child cannot remain in his own home, the agency shall explore both maternal and paternal relatives regarding their willingness and ability to assume temporary custody or guardianship of the child.  When the agency retains custody of a child but is seeking placement with a relative or kinship provider (those who are not related by blood but have a significant bond with the child) the agency must approve the placement setting by conducting a relative approval homestudy.  The relative approval process includes the following:

-          a child protective services record check for all adults in the household;

-          safety assessment of the home;

-          criminal background checks for all adults residing in the household;

-          medical examinations of all household members:

-          provision of information regarding the child’s educational, medical, child care, and special needs and information regarding accessing supportive services;

-          assessment of the relative or kinship provider’s ability and willingness to provide care and supervision of the child and to provide a safe and appropriate placement for the child.

Relative and kinship caregivers will be advised of how to apply for Ohio Works First (OWF) child-only financial assistance and Medicaid coverage.  Relative and kinship caregivers will also be advised of how to apply for foster caregiver certification and the requirements for licensure. 

Kinship Permanency Incentive Program (KPI):

KPI was created to support children in the homes of family or friends who have committed to caring for them when birth parents cannot.  The KPI program provides cash payments to children in custody of kinship providers if a judge has ruled that the child was abused, neglected, dependent or unruly.  Some kinship families will not be eligible for this program.  However, it is important to find out what resources are available to your family.

At this time, eligibility is only available for children who were placed into the custody of the kinship provider on or after July 1, 2005.  Also, the kinship provider’s income may not be higher than 300% of federal poverty guidelines.

KPI payments are in addition to Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance received for the child.

To receive the cash payments, eligible families must apply through the Lake County Department of Job & Family Services, Children’s Services Division.