Federal rules now allow child welfare agencies to create separate approval processes for kin caregivers. To implement these changes effectively, a group was assembled to develop model standards. The group included 9 national organizations, over 50 agencies, and more than 430 individual participants, including kin caregivers and agency staff.

This collaboration developed new licensing standards that focus on 2 key components: background checks and kinship caregiver assessments. It also produced ready-to-use forms, templates, and implementation guidance.

Now, key recommendations from these standards are available as new strategies and resources in the Child Welfare Playbook.

Strategies

• Use an expansive legal definition of kin
• Involve kin before removing children or youth
• Let kin caregivers know what to expect from background checks
• Collect only essential information from kin households
• Make fingerprinting fast and easy
• Simplify process for out-of-state child abuse and neglect checks
• Establish clear standards for evaluating background checks
• Help potential caregivers correct errors in background check results
• Make kin assessments collaborative and supportive
• Help caregivers fulfill home safety requirements
• Allow kin to appeal denied placements
• Pay kin caregivers while they get licensed

Resources