FAQ

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Why is Kinship Care important?

Kinship care allows children to remain within their extended family or community, maintaining important familial and cultural connections. This helps preserve a sense of identity, belonging, and continuity in their lives.


What is the main differences between Formal and Informal Kinship Caregivers?

The main differences between Formal and Informal Kinship Caregivers are the legal responsibilities, support services available and oversight of the kinship care arrangement. See Informal vs Formal Kinship Care for more information

How do I obtain custody of my relative/fictive kin?

In Virginia, the process of obtaining legal custody typically involves several steps. The specific procedures may vary depending on the circumstances and the type of custody sought (e.g., sole custody, joint custody, temporary custody, etc.). Below is a general outline of the process:

  1. Filing a petition with the appropriate court
  2. Serving the other party
  3. Response from the other party and scheduled court hearings
  4. Mediation or settlement negotiations
  5. Custody order is issued
  6. Enforcement of the custody order

See Process of Custody for more information


How do I become a licensed kinship caregiver for my relative/fictive kin?

See Licensing Process & Requirements for more information


What financial support am I eligible for if I care for a relative/fictive kin?

As a kinship caregiver you are eligible for SNAP, WIC, FAMIS, TANF and other support services. See Informal vs Formal Caregiver for more information

What permanency options are available?

Permanency options available are legal custody, kinship foster care and adoption. See Informal vs Formal Caregiver  for more information

What if I do not live in the same state of the children in my family I want to care for?

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) is a uniform law that ensures children placed across state lines are protected and safe. Since every State has different child welfare laws regarding placing children, these regulations ensure children placed in another State occurs ethically and legally.  See Interstate/Intercountry Placement of Children (ICPC) for more information.


How do I manage my relationship with my relatives when I become a kin caregiver?

Dr. Crumbley, a pioneer in the field of Kinship Care with over 40 years of experience as a family therapist, trainer and consultant, asserts that it is important to consider the following:

  1. Setting healthy boundaries

  2. Speaking positively about the parent, especially in front of the child(ren)

  3. Counseling for all parties

  4. Assuring that you are encouraging a positive relationship between the parent and the child(ren)

  5. Work together with the parent

  6. Assuring that the arrangement is in the best interest of the child

See Working with Kin Caregivers - Unique Considerations


What are the Types of Kinship Care Arrangements?

There are two basic types of kinship care, Informal and Formal kinship care, the differences between them are not clearly defined in Virginia policy. See Informal vs Formal Caregiver for more information


What Services do Kinship Caregivers Need?

Common services that kinship caregivers may need are Financial Assistance, Legal and Custodial Support, Access to Health and Mental Health Services, Education and School Support, Respite Care, Support Groups and Peer Networks, Access to Community Resources, Training and Education. See Kinship Care Resources for more information










 

 

 

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