Responsibilities of the Custodian when "Placement with Relative" is the Identified Goal 624-05-15-115-10-10

(NEW 7/1/2025 ML# 3928)

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Custodial agencies working closely with identified relatives must educate the family on options to consider such as:

  1. Licensed family foster care relative provider

  2. Kinship ND reimbursement

  3. TANF-Kinship Child Only (1/5 degree related) reimbursement

  4. Unlicensed caregiver

Best practice indicates that when a child is placed in an unlicensed home of an identified relative caregiver, steps should be taken to ensure the appropriateness and safety of the placement. These steps should be completed as soon as possible and include, but are not limited to:

  1. A safety inspection, Unlicensed Caregiver Home Study (SFN 399), is required of the physical structure where the child will reside.

    1. Space and resources the relatives have for providing for the child in a safe and stable environment.

    2. Commitment and willingness to nurture the child.

    3. Flexibility and adaptability to accommodate changes the child will bring to the home, participate in appointments, communicate with various professional staff regarding care planning, assist with reunification efforts with the parents, etc.

    4. Stability relatives have with their current relationships, employment, housing and social circumstances.

    5. Nurturance capacity of the relative.

    6. **IMPORTANT** If the relatives live in another state, request an assessment of their home through Interstate Compact before deciding to place the child out of state.

  2. Abuse/neglect index checks of all adults living in the home.

  3. A check of the NDCOURTS website, and surrounding states if appropriate, for all adults living in the home.

  4. Fingerprint based criminal background checks for all adults living in the home.

  5. Assess the financial sustainability of the child in their home and explore financial support such as TANF or Kinship ND if needed.

  6. Assessment of impending danger.

    1. How is it manifesting?

    2. Can the relative manage the danger without agency involvement?

  7. See requirements for Out of Home Safety Plans 607-05-35-05-25-05 for additional guidance.