Placement with Relatives 624-05-15-115-10

(Revised 7/1/2025 ML #3928)

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Federal law under title IV-E of the Social Security Act requires public agencies to consider relatives of the child as a placement preference while the child is in foster care, provided that the relative caregiver meets relevant standards. Relative placement is allowable and can be the selected permanency goal, if timely reunification is not possible. Relative care, also known as kinship care, means a child’s blood relative, an individual who has a preexisting relationship with the child, an individual recognized in the child’s community, or a child’s stepparent. See Working with Relatives 607-05-35-05-25.

 

While placement with relatives is an allowable permanency goal, efforts should be made to ensure this option is the best plan; and that other more permanent options such as guardianship or adoption have been thoroughly explored.

 

When to Select the Goal of Placement with Relatives:

The goal of placement with relatives is one of the least restrictive options. Placement with relatives should be selected under these circumstances:

  1. The goal of returning home timely has been ruled out.

  2. The relative is willing and able to provide a commitment of care and support to a child's basic needs, safety and well being.

  3. The child wants to be placed with the identified relative and maintain there.

When Not to Select this Goal:

The goal of placement with relatives may not be appropriate under the following circumstances:

  1. Relatives are not willing to care for the child long term.

  2. The parents strongly object to placement with relatives.

  3. The relatives cannot provide safely and adequately for the child's needs or provide protection.

  4. The relatives are not aligned with the agency and do not agree with the safety plan.

How to Implement this Goal:

When the goal of placement with relative is identified, the agency must provide an ongoing assessment of the child’s safety and permanency. The agency is responsible for ensuring the family has basic support in place to care for the child. Relative caregivers are encouraged but not required to become licensed foster care providers for this goal to be selected.

 

If permanent placement is achieved with the relative, the case manager must ensure clarity of legal authority concerning the child (power of attorney, guardianship, etc.). The relatives should be educated on their legal authority before a public custody order is vacated with the public agency.

An assessment of impending danger must take place prior to closing a case with a goal of placement with relative to determine if the family can manage the impending danger without agency involvement.