Kinship Manual Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Kinship Care Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services1
Kinship Care
Kinship Manual
elcome to Kinship Care. Thank the child with a relative or family friend. you for opening your heart The court asks the parents to give DFPS Wand home to a child who is in contact information for relatives or family the state’s legal custody due to abuse or friends who could at least temporarily care neglect. for the child. This manual is provided to you by Child When placing a child, the court considers Protective Services (CPS), a division of the the child’s needs as most important. Texas Department of Family and Protective However, the family can have a say in Services (DFPS). DFPS is responsible for: the placement process. During a Family Group Conference, family members can XXInvestigating reports of child abuse and recommend a specific caregiver for the neglect. child. DFPS also takes into account the XXProtecting children from abuse and parents’ desires about the care provided neglect. to their child whenever possible. If placement with a relative is unavailable or XXHelping families become safer, stronger, inappropriate, the child may enter and more stable. foster care. For generations, XXFinding permanent homes for children extended families who cannot safely remain with their What are the benefits of own families. have played Kinship Care? This manual will help you learn what to significant roles expect while you are caring for a child who Kinship Care: is in DFPS’s legal custody. in the rearing of XXProvides love and care in a familiar children. What is Kinship Care? setting. XXGives parents hope that the child will Unfortunately, some children cannot safely remain connected to the birth family. live with their parents. In these situations, relatives and family friends often step XXAllows the child to live with people he or forward to care for the child. We call this she knows and trusts. “kinship care.” XXMaintains the child’s sense of cultural identity and positive self-esteem. Your willingness to take a child into your home shows great commitment and love. XXHelps the child make and sustain We understand that adding a child to your extended family connections. home will create challenges for your family. XXContinues family traditions and We are here to help you adjust to your memories. additional family member. XXHelps the child build healthy How does a child come into relationships within the family. Kinship Care? XXSupports the child’s need for safety and well-being. When DFPS removes a child from his or XXCreates stability in the child’s life. her home, a court considers placing 2 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
Kinship Care
What needs to happen XXNotify the caseworker and supervisor as soon as possible but no later than one before the child can live day if the child: with me? ■■ Has a significant change in his The placement must be in the child’s best or her health, including mental interest. Before the placement, we conduct or behavioral health conditions, a “home assessment,” which is a tool that enrollment or participation in a helps us decide if the child will be safe in drug research program, or initial your care. As part of the assessment, we prescription of a psychotropic check the criminal history and abuse and medication. neglect history of all household members ■■ Is seriously injured or dies. 14 and older. ■■ Runs away. What am I expected to do? ■■ Returns after running away. Kinship caregivers have the following XXNotify the caseworker and supervisor responsibilities: within two days if: ■■ A person who makes medical XXProvide a safe and loving home for the decisions for the child refuses If the judge child. treatment or medication for the does not return XXSign and follow a written agreement child’s physical, behavioral, or the child to the with DFPS in which you agree to dental condition. clearly defined expectations and ■■ There is a change in dosage or parents, he or responsibilities. discontinuation of the child’s she may decide XXMake sure the child completes all psychotropic medication. necessary health checkups and to place the ■■ The child has a major achievement assessments (see below for more or change in school performance, child with a information). Star Health will call including a failing grade that may you to get the child’s medical history, relative or close prevent the child from advancing explain benefits, and help you set up to the next grade level, or a serious family friend appointments. If you do not receive a disciplinary event. if that person call within 48 hours, call STAR Health is appropriate, Member Services at 1-866-912-6283. Texas Health Steps XXProvide services, support, and available, and supervision for the child as outlined in You must make sure the child receives a willing to help. the child’s service plan. Texas Health Steps medical checkup within 30 days of coming into DFPS custody. XXCommunicate with your The Texas Health Steps medical checkup conservatorship and kinship is a comprehensive physical and medical caseworkers to support a stable assessment for the child. placement for the child. The child must also receive regular XXWork with DFPS staff to plan a preventive healthcare. Texas Health Steps permanent living arrangement for the medical checkups are specific appointments child. that meet recommendations of the XXAsk the child’s caseworker for American Academy of Pediatrics. Children information that will help you care for under age 3 need these checkups: the child. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services3
Kinship Care
XX3 to 5 days after birth. NOTE: CANS is more than just a regular XX2 weeks after birth. psychological exam. A psychological exam cannot take the place of a CANS XXAt the following months after birth: assessment. 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30. Children ages 3–20 years old need Texas Safety Health Steps medical checkups at least once a year (within one year after the last Making your home safe is one of the most checkup and no later than the child’s next important things to do. Home is a place birthday). to relax, explore, play, and enjoy spending time with family. Of course, accidents If the child is 6 months old or older, he happen and there will be minor scrapes and or she must also receive a Texas Health bruises along the way, especially as children Steps dental checkup scheduled within 60 grow and discover new things. But serious days of coming into DFPS’s legal custody. injuries are often preventable. To schedule a checkup, call STAR Health Member Services at 1-866-912-6283. If An accident can happen in any area of your the child is younger than 6 months old, home. Some safety hazards are easy to see, he or she must have a Texas Health Steps such as leaving cleaning products within dental checkup within 30 days of turning a child’s reach. Others are less obvious. Caseworkers are 6 months old. The child should have a Here are some common safety precautions Texas Health Steps dental checkup every 6 caregivers should take: the people you months until he or she turns 21 years old. XXNever leave a child alone in the bathtub usually talk to NOTE: A regular physical exam cannot or around water, including lakes, rivers, about the child in take the place of a Texas Health Steps and pools. medical checkup. A Texas Health Steps XXStore guns separately from ammunition, your care. checkup includes a physical exam and other locked and out of a child’s reach. assessments. XXStore all medications in a locked box out of a child’s reach. Child and Adolescent Needs XXDo not co-sleep with a child, especially and Strengths babies and toddlers. All children ages 3–17 years old must have a Child and Adolescent Needs and Safe Sleep Strengths (CANS) assessment within 30 The ABCs of infant sleep: days of coming into CPS custody. CANS is a comprehensive behavioral health A – Sleep alone assessment for the child. It helps provide a full picture of a child’s strengths and B – On their back, with no blankets or needs to ensure the best plan of service bedding for the child. All children ages 3–17 years old must C – In a crib and cool receive a CANS re-assessment once a year. S – In a smoke-free room You can schedule a CANS assessment by calling STAR Health Member Services at 1-866-912-6283. 4 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
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Do: and needs. CANS also takes into account your strengths and input. This helps us ●● Do put babies to sleep alone on their create the best plan of service for the child backs in a crib or on another firm and family. surface with a tight-fitting bottom sheet. If the baby leaves a dent in the You will receive a copy of the final bed, it’s too soft. assessment and service plan. The service ●● Do keep babies away from second- plan may recommend behavioral health hand smoke. services, such as a referral to a therapist. Therapy can address misbehavior, sadness, ●● Do dress babies lightly and control and anxiety caused by trauma and change of the room temperature. environment. You should try psychotherapy ●● Do breast feed and use pacifiers. Both or other forms of behavioral intervention may lower risk of sudden death. before starting medications. Don’t: A doctor must evaluate the child before prescribing psychotropic medications. It ●● Don’t put babies to sleep with is important to learn about all available blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, or treatment options, side effects, and label bumper pads. warnings. However, if a doctor does Parents can ●● Don’t cover a baby’s face or let a baby prescribe a medication, the child should voluntarily cover his or her face with anything. not stop taking it unless advised by a ●● Don’t let babies sleep with older kids. physician. Stopping medications can cause give up their an adverse effect. ●● Don’t sleep with a baby, especially parental rights if you have been using alcohol or Child Development by signing a medicines that make you sleepy. Don’t sleep with a baby when you are Caring for an infant or toddler can be legal document very tired. challenging, but there are many resources called a ●● Don’t put babies to sleep on chairs, available to help. For example, the Texas sofas, futons, beanbags, or cushions. Infant, Toddler, and Three-Year-Old Early relinquishment. Learning Guidelines can help families ● ● Don’t put babies to sleep on soft beds support child development and learning. such as pillow-tops, waterbeds, or The guidelines are available in English, memory foam. If the baby leaves a Spanish, and Vietnamese at the Texas dent in the bed, it’s too soft. Early Learning Council’s website: www. ●● Don’t expose babies to smoke. earlylearningtexas.org/itelg.aspx. For more safe parenting tips, visit If you are concerned the child in your care www.HelpandHope.org. is not developing like other children the same age, use the free online screening Behavioral Health tool at www.easterseals.com/mtffc/asq. It The child may have a hard time adjusting only takes a few minutes to take one of to a new home. The Child and Adolescent the Ages & Stages Questionnaires. Results Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment will help you see if the child is developing (see above for more information) helps on schedule and alert you to concerns to us understand how we can best support discuss with your healthcare provider. the child. When CANS is combined with a Please note that the results do not provide Texas Health Steps medical checkup, we a diagnosis. The tool is only intended for can see a full picture of a child’s strengths children five years old and younger. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services5 Kinship Care
Your child’s healthcare provider may refer DFPS prohibits corporal punishment of you to Texas Early Childhood Intervention children in substitute care. If the school (ECI) if the child is younger than 3 years asks for your permission to use corporal old. ECI helps families access resources and punishment, you must refuse. improve their child’s development through Contact the caseworker if you have daily activities. Most services are provided concerns about the child’s education. in the home and are available statewide. You can learn more about ECI at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s What am I expected to do? website: hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/ XXEnroll the child into school within early-childhood-intervention-services. 2 days. Find the nearest ECI program by calling (877) 787-8999. XXProvide the school with the Placement Authorization Form and Education Decision Maker Form at the time of What am I expected to do? enrollment. XXTell your caseworker and the child’s XX“Opt out” of corporal punishment. doctor if you have concerns about the child’s development or behavior. What court actions can take Children in XXComplete medical or specialized place? training to care for a child with primary DFPS’ managing or other special medical needs. The case may involve a number of different conservatorship kinds of court proceedings, including those must be treated Education described below. with respect and Education is critical to every child’s Emergency Hearings well-being and success. There are many dignity. If DFPS removes a child from his or her federal and state laws and programs that parents’ care without a court order, the support educational stability for children in court will schedule an emergency hearing DFPS custody. If the child is old enough to for the next working day. This hearing attend school, including pre-kindergarten, allows the judge to learn why DFPS we will give you an education portfolio. removed the child and decide if the child The education portfolio has documents you should remain in DFPS custody until the need to enroll the child into school as well adversary hearing. as the child’s school records. Adversary Hearings You must enroll the child in school within two days of his or her placement. You can The court holds an adversary hearing enroll the child without documentation, within 14 days of DFPS removing the child but you must submit all records to the from his or her parents. At this hearing, school within 30 days. Schools require the judge decides whether to return the proof of immunizations. Contact the child’s child to the parents, or if the child would caseworker or the school foster care liaison be at risk of continued abuse or neglect if you need help transferring records. in the parents’ care. If the judge does not return the child to the parents, the judge The child can continue going to the last may place the child with a relative or close school he or she attended before entering family friend if that person is appropriate, substitute care, if it is in the child’s best available, and willing to help. Otherwise, interest. the judge will place the child in foster care. 6 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
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The court also holds an adversary hearing DFPS keeps moving toward a permanent when DFPS seeks a court order to remove placement for the child and continues to a child from his or her parents. This monitor that the child’s needs are met. happens when an emergency removal is not Please Note: Parents may lose parental necessary. rights to their child if they cannot Status Hearings demonstrate that they can keep the child safe. Only a judge or jury can terminate a The court holds a status hearing within 60 parent’s rights. Decisions for each parent days of placing the child in foster or kinship must be made separately. If the judge or care. This hearing ensures that the parents jury decides to terminate both parents’ have a family service plan and understand rights to a child, the child can be placed for they must follow the plan for the child to adoption. return home. Do I need to attend court hearings? Permanency Court Reviews You should always go to court when you get Five months after the first adversary a notice or a phone call about a hearing for hearing, the court will review the parents’ the child in your care. The judge will review progress on meeting the requirements of the child’s and parents’ progress at the the family service plan and making sure the court hearing. The judge also will decide child’s needs are met. Before the hearing, where the child will live while the parents DFPS must: participate in services. You should talk with XXSubmit a “permanency report,” which is your caseworker about upcoming court a document that gives the agency’s view hearings so you know when and where they of the parents’ progress. are going to be held. The judge may ask you Kinship XXMake a final recommendation on the for input in the hearing. You are allowed, plan for permanency for the child. but not required, to talk to the judge about Placement— how the child is doing or any needs that the Child living in The court may issue additional orders if child has. the judge thinks it is necessary. The court the home of a holds additional permanency reviews every It is important for the child to play an relative or four months while the case is in temporary active role in the court process. That’s why legal status. Within 12 months after the children 10 years old and older receive their family friend. child comes into DFPS custody, the court own notice for hearings. The child has the will either return the child to the parents or right to attend the hearing and speak to the give permanent custody to a relative, close judge. family friend, or DFPS. On rare occasions, You must discuss the notice with the the court may extend this time for up to six child. This will help the child if he or she more months, for a total of 18 months. is nervous or confused about the notice or Permanency Review Hearings court hearing. After Final Order Important Information About If a court makes DFPS the child’s Court Hearings permanent managing conservator, the XXIf you cannot attend a court hearing, court will review the child’s placement notify the caseworker beforehand and and permanency plans every six months. give the caseworker an update about the The court’s focus shifts to making sure child. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services7 Kinship Care
XXTalk with the caseworker after the court will plan for what needs to happen for the hearing to find out what happened at child to return home. If the child’s parents court and if there are new orders that do not make these changes and the child affect the child or your household. cannot return home, the caseworker Note: Tell the caseworker or court if you will make recommendations for where need an interpreter because you cannot the child should live permanently. This speak or understand English, or if you are recommendation will be discussed at court hearing or speech impaired. hearings and meetings called permanency planning meetings. How can I get an attorney? What is going to happen to You can find an attorney by calling: the child? XXYour local legal aid office. Substitute care is usually temporary. It XXThe State Bar of Texas lawyer referral generally lasts from a few months up to service at (800) 252-9690. a year, but some children do remain in XXThe Legal Hotline for Texans at substitute care longer. (800) 622-2520. In most cases, we first try to return the The court will appoint a special attorney for child to his or her home. This is our Food stamps the child, known as an attorney ad litem. primary “permanency goal” and is called help low-income The court may also appoint a person called reunification. We also have an alternate a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s permanency goal in case that is not families buy best interests. A guardian ad litem may or possible. The alternate goal could be one of nutritious may not be an attorney. the following: XXAdoption by a relative. food from local What should I expect from food stores, XXPermanent conservatorship by a caseworkers? relative. this assistance The child will have a caseworker who makes XXAdoption by an unrelated family. is available sure the child is safe and properly cared XXPermanent conservatorship by an to qualifying for. The caseworker will stay in regular unrelated family. contact with you and visit the child at least families, elderly once a month. The caseworker also helps XXCare by a foster family with DFPS people, and the parents take the necessary steps so having permanent conservatorship. the child can return home. In most areas, XXCare in some other family arrangement single adults. you will also have a kinship development with DFPS having permanent worker to support you while you are caring conservatorship. for the child. The caseworker and kinship XXRemaining in substitute care while development worker are your main contacts preparing to transition to adulthood. at CPS. If you live in an area without kinship development workers, the child’s XXPreparation for adult living with caseworker will give you information and community assistance for youth who help you get services for the child. are at least 18 years old and who have a developmental disability. Tell the caseworker if you require any disability or special needs services. The Once we have a goal, we create a parents and the child’s caseworker together “permanency plan” to help us achieve 8 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services Kinship Care
it. However, the goal may change over How do I discipline the child time, and it often depends on parents participating in services. The parents may in my care? contest the goal in court if they disagree The main purpose of discipline is to with it, unless the court has already encourage good behavior, not to punish terminated their parental rights. the child. Discipline must suit the child’s needs and circumstances. You should take Please Note: Parents can voluntarily into account the child’s age, developmental give up their parental rights by signing level, specific misbehavior, response to a document called a relinquishment. past discipline, and history, including past Signing a relinquishment is a serious physical or emotional abuse. Examples of matter. Parents should consider it carefully appropriate discipline include: and discuss it with their attorney. If the parents sign a relinquishment, the court XXEstablishing routines. may terminate their parental rights, which XXSetting reasonable limits. means they are no longer the child’s legal parents. At that time, the parents will no XXModeling appropriate behavior. longer be responsible for the child. When XXOffering choices. the child is free for adoption and the XXGiving explanations. appropriate adoptive family (which may be the kinship caregiver) is selected, the XXRepeating instructions. child will be placed in a permanent home. XXUsing “time outs.” Relatives may Also note there are some criminal acts XXAllowing logical or natural that make a kinship caregiver ineligible supervise visits consequences. to adopt a child. In these circumstances, to help the DFPS cannot recommend the placement. XXReinforcing desired behavior. child and parent However, a judge can order a child Physical discipline is not appropriate for spend positive placed with such a kinship caregiver on a a child in kinship care. Because of the temporary or permanent basis. child’s history of abuse or neglect, physical time together. discipline will interfere with the child’s What if the parents have ability to build trust, self-esteem, and problems caring for their self-control. child after the child is DFPS does not allow physical discipline, including open-handed spanking. Here are returned to them? some other rules: Sometimes there is an adjustment period XXDon’t deprive the child of basic when a child returns home. The parents can necessities (such as food). ask a therapist, attorney, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer, and XXDon’t use cruel, harsh, unusual, the child’s caseworker for help. However, humiliating, demeaning, or unnecessary we will remove the child from the home punishment. again if the problems present the risk of XXDon’t threaten the child. This includes or actually result in abuse or neglect. If we telling the child that he or she cannot remove the child from the home again, we see family or will be sent somewhere reconsider the child’s permanency plan. else to live. We will consider other permanency plans if returning the child to the parent’s care is The kinship development worker, child’s no longer a safe option. caseworker, and therapist can help you deal with problem behavior. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services9 Kinship Care
What written reports will I including whether someone must monitor or supervise the visits. If appropriate, receive from DFPS? parents should visit the child regularly and You will receive the Placement Summary. show their love even though the child is This form tells you about: not living with them. If the court orders supervised visits, the person responsible XXThe child’s school and educational for supervising needs to understand the needs. importance of closely monitoring the visit. XXThe child’s medical, dental, and mental The person supervising the visit must be health history. able to see the child at all times and hear XXThe child’s social and family what is being said to the child. The person information. must also be willing to stop any behavior or conversation between the parent and XXOther information that will help you child that may be harmful to the child. The meet the child’s needs. caseworker will help you arrange visits. You will receive a copy of the child’s current Contact the caseworker if a family visit service plan and any service plan reviews, must be cancelled. which are usually held at least once every six months. You will also receive a copy of Normal Childhood Activities the DFPS report to the court at least 10 days before any scheduled court reviews. Caring for a child in DFPS custody can be hard. There are many rules and requirements to follow, and some caregivers What information may I find it so difficult that they give up or stop request about the child? trying. As a result, some children in foster Any prospective You can request information that you feel care miss out on the benefits and fun of or current is necessary to meet the child’s needs. This normal childhood activities. Whenever includes information about the removal possible, children and youth in foster care kinship caregiver and or history of abuse and neglect, as well should have the chance to participate in can pursue as the child’s educational, medical, dental, normal childhood activities. That’s why social, emotional, or behavioral history. You federal law allows kinship caregivers to foster home can contact the caseworker at any time to make decisions using what’s called the verification, request more information or clarification. “reasonable and prudent parent standard.” if they are You can also request a copy of the child’s What is the reasonable and case record if you take legal custody prudent parent standard? interested in (permanent managing conservatorship supporting a or adoption). Visit DFPS’s website for There are many ways to describe what more information about requesting case a reasonable and prudent (careful or child in DFPS records: www.dfps.state.tx.us/policies/ cautious) parent would do. A parent who conservatorship Case_Records. If you have questions about is both reasonable and prudent makes records, email Records.Management@ decisions carefully and considers the who is placed in DFPS.state.tx.us or call (512) 929-6764 or benefits and the possible dangers. This their care. toll-free (877) 764-7230. helps the parent come to a sensible decision in the child’s best interest. What visitation rules must When using the reasonable and prudent be followed? parent standard, caregivers must take “reasonable steps” to decide if an activity The court will address visitation issues, is a good fit for a child based on the child’s 10 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services Kinship Care
age, maturity, and abilities. There are many has been made for a number). different ways to decide whether an activity XXA document that provides proof of is a good fit for a child. Here are a few relationship to child. examples of reasonable steps: XXProof of income. XXHave information about the child so you XXProof of assets. can make informed decisions. If you feel you do not have enough information, XXProof of rent and utilities costs. speak with the child’s caseworker. Temporary Assistance for Needy XXThink about the type of activity as well Families as the child’s mental and physical health If you are related to the child by blood, and behavioral abilities. marriage, or adoption, the Temporary XXThink about where the activity will be Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) held, who the child is going with, and program may provide financial assistance when they will return. and Medicaid for the child. If you qualify XXConsider the potential dangers of the for TANF and are a grandparent, great- activity and what safety issues and grandparent, or great-great-grandparent, supervision the child needs to prevent you may be eligible for an additional possible harm. one-time payment of $1,000 (called a “TANF Grandparent Grant”) to help buy XXThink about all the information you initial items for the child. have gathered and ask, “Is this an appropriate activity for a child this age?” Kinship Caregiver Reimbursement Need an This law does not apply to parental visits. Program attorney? Call For information about visits, see the Eligible kinship caregivers may qualify section titled “What visitation rules must for a monthly reimbursement. These 1-800-252-9690 be followed?” This law only applies to monthly payments are time-limited and or the normal childhood activities, such as sports, may be paid for up to 12 months. You can sleepovers, and field trips. It allows you, ask your kinship development worker for Legal Hotline with the appropriate information more information about the program. for Texans at and training, to make decisions that let If you obtain permanent managing kids be kids. 1-800-622-2520. conservatorship (PMC) of the child, and all other eligibility requirements are What assistance and met, you may request a $500 annual financial resources are reimbursement for child-related expenses for the three years following the award of available to help? PMC, or until the child reaches age 18, You may be eligible to receive assistance whichever comes first. and financial resources to help in raising College Tuition and Fees the child. You can find more information at the end of this manual in the Helpful Assistance Resources section. For most government If you became the child’s permanent assistance, you need the following: managing conservator on or after September 1, 2009, the child may be XXTexas driver’s license or other eligible for free college tuition at: picture ID. XXA Social Security number for each adult XXPublic colleges or universities. and child (or proof that an application XXPublic medical schools. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services11 Kinship Care
XXPublic dental schools. (refer to the Helpful Resources section at XXPublic junior colleges. the end of this manual). XXPublic technical institutes. Women, Infants, and Children The child must enroll by his or her 25th Program birthday. For more information, talk to The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) your kinship development worker or the program can help grandparents and child’s caseworker. other relatives buy nutritious food for the children in their care. WIC offers food Medicaid/Insurance assistance and nutritional screening to Most children in DFPS custody are covered low-income pregnant women, women with by STAR Health Medicaid, which includes infants 11 months or younger, and children medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, younger than 5. Apply for WIC at (800) and prescription healthcare services. STAR 942-3678 or at a local WIC office. Health Medicaid will also cover most training that you need to care for a child Supplemental Security Income with primary medical needs. To use these Supplemental Security Income (SSI) services, you must use healthcare providers provides assistance for grandparents in the STAR Health network and other relatives raising children who are blind or disabled. Managed by the Star Health has a tool on its website U.S. Social Security Administration, SSI called Health Passport. It allows you to provides a cash benefit to the child. To see the child’s health information like qualify for benefits, the child must be immunizations, doctor visits, medications, younger than age 18 and meet the SSI Keep track and dental visits. You can use STAR Health disability, income, and asset criteria. Passport if: of important Children younger than age 18 are eligible information XXThe court or CPS names you the child’s for Social Security benefits under Old-Age and documents medical consenter (this will usually Survivors and Disability Insurance if the happen). child’s parent is collecting retirement regarding the XXThe child is enrolled in STAR Health or disability insurance benefits, or if the child in your care. Medicaid. parent is deceased. Grandparents and other relatives can apply for benefits on behalf of Ask your caseworker or kinship the child based on the work record of the development worker how to use Health child’s parent. Passport. For more information, contact a Social Daycare Assistance Security representative at (800) 772-1213 You may qualify for daycare assistance or go to www.ssa.gov/pubs/10085.html. if you meet certain criteria. Talk to your Earned Income Tax Credit kinship development worker or the child’s caseworker for more information. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps working people with children. It is available Supplemental Nutrition Assistance to grandparents and other relatives if they Program work and have at least one “qualifying The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance child” living with them. To qualify, the Program (SNAP) is also known as food relative and child must live in the same stamps. SNAP helps low-income families home in the United States for more than buy nutritious food from grocery stores six months of the year. This tax credit is particularly useful because the relative can 12 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
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get a refund even he or she does not owe and child protective services background income tax. checks, as well as other minimum standards. The Fostering Connections Below are some things you should ask Act yourself to decide if foster home verification is the right path: The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act is a federal law XXAre you at least 21 years old and a that affects potential kinship caregivers. responsible, mature adult? When DFPS removes a child from his or XXDo you have steady income? her home, the law requires DFPS to: XXWill you complete an application with XXNotify the child’s relatives about the the help of CPS staff? removal. XXWill you share information about your XXTell the child’s relatives they can apply background and lifestyle through a to become a foster parent. home screening? XXTell the child’s relatives about other XXWill you provide references from options regarding placement and ways relatives and friends? to support the child while in placement. XXIf you are married or divorced, can you In September 2010, Texas began a financial show proof? assistance program to help kinship foster XXIf you are married, are you and your parents who sign an agreement with spouse both willing to become foster DFPS and subsequently take permanent, parents? legal custody of the child. This is called Have a the Permanency Care Assistance (PCA) XXDo you have a high school diploma program. or a GED, or can you pass a test that case-specific includes basic reading, writing, and complaint? Foster Home Verification for math? Contact the Kinship Caregivers XXCan you agree to a home screening that includes interviews with everyone who DFPS Office Prospective or current kinship caregivers lives in your home? can pursue foster home verification if they of Consumer XXWill you and all people in your house, are interested in supporting a child in age 14 and older, submit to a criminal Relations at DFPS custody who is placed in their care, history and a child abuse and neglect regardless of the child’s permanency plan. 1-800-720-7777. history check? Becoming a verified foster home provides additional financial assistance while caring XXWill you submit fingerprints for FBI for a child. However, foster care placements criminal history checks for all adults, 18 are meant to be a temporary arrangement years and older, in your house? until the permanency plan can be achieved XXWill you attend 25 to 35 hours of for the child. training to learn about abuse and neglect and how it affects children? Kinship Foster Home Verification Requirements Other things to consider: To become a kinship foster home, you must XXDo you have enough sleeping space? successfully complete the “verification” XXWill you agree not to use physical process. You must pass extensive criminal discipline? Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services13
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XXWill your home likely pass fire, health, birth parents. It is a lifelong commitment and safety inspections? to a child. In CPS cases, adoption becomes XXAre your pets vaccinated or are you an option if CPS and the child’s birth willing to get them vaccinated? parents cannot resolve the issues that made it unsafe for the child to live at home. If XXWill you learn CPR and first aid and that happens, CPS may ask the court to become certified? end the parents’ rights to the child and XXWill you and all other people in your permanently place the child with another house be screened for tuberculosis (TB)? family. A child can also become legally eligible for adoption if both birth parents If you answered yes to these questions, you give up their parental rights. may be eligible for foster home verification. If you have questions or concerns about the verification process, contact the child’s What is adoption assistance? caseworker, your kinship development The adoption assistance program helps worker, DFPS Foster/Adoptive Home eligible families cover some of the costs of Development staff, or a private child- adopting a child with special needs. The placing agency. benefits may include: A list of Child Placing Agencies can be XXMonthly payments and Medicaid found here: https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/ coverage for the child until he or she is Child_Care/Search_Texas_Child_Care/ age 18. These benefits may last to age 21 ppFacilitySearchFoster.asp. if the child is 16 or older when you sign the adoption assistance agreement and What about SSI and child the child meets certain educational or support? vocational requirements. A Service Plan Foster care payments and other financial XXReimbursement for certain adoption (also called a assistance may affect the amount you can fees up to $1,200. Family Service receive in SSI on behalf of the child. If To receive adoption assistance benefits, you have questions or concerns about SSI, you must sign an adoption assistance Plan) is an contact your local Social Security office. agreement agreement with DFPS before a court Child support is considered income when finalizes your adoption. Post-adoption between DFPS determining how much financial assistance services, program counseling, therapy, and and the parents you will receive for caring for the child. other services for the child and your family Child support payments might also be sent may also be available. of children to DFPS while you are being paid as a foster in foster or parent to help cover the costs of the child’s State College Tuition care. If you are paid as a foster parent, you Assistance kinship care. may not be able to receive child support payments on behalf of the child. You should If you adopted a child through DFPS, he discuss child support questions or concerns or she may be eligible for free tuition at a with the child’s caseworker. Texas public college if one of the following is true: What is adoption? XXYou adopted the child on or after Adoption is the legal process allowing September 1, 2009, and the child enrolls children to join families different from their in college by his or her 25th birthday. 14 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
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XXThe child receives a monthly adoption DFPS will no longer be involved with subsidy and Medicaid. In this case, there the child or your family. This also means is no time limit for enrolling. DFPS will not provide services such as case management, day care, and post-placement What is permanent services. If you are the child’s kinship foster managing conservatorship? parent, you will not continue to receive foster care payments after you become Permanent managing conservatorship, permanent managing conservator. (“Foster or “PMC,” is a legal term in Texas used in parent” means you have completed the child custody cases. It means that a judge process to become a foster parent through a appoints a person to be legally responsible child placing agency.) If you are permanent for a child without adopting the child. managing conservator and decide to The court can give PMC to someone other adopt later, you will not receive adoption than a parent, including DFPS, a relative, assistance. a close family friend, or a foster parent. Only a judge can give PMC to another Post-PMC Services in Houston, person. The judge decides the rights and Corpus Christi, and Edinburg responsibilities, depending upon the Families in the Houston, Corpus Christi, specific situation. When someone other and Edinburg areas who have been granted than a parent is named as permanent PMC of a child through DFPS can receive managing conservator, he or she is given post-permanency services. These services the right or duty to: are available to help the child and family: XXPhysically possess the child. XXAdjust to permanency. XXChoose moral and religious training. The Child Care XXCope with any history of abuse or XXProvide clothing, food, shelter, and neglect of the child. Management education. XXAvoid permanent or long-term removal Services (CCMS) XXProvide and consent to medical, of the child from the PMC family program of the psychiatric, psychological, dental, and setting. surgical care. Texas Workforce Some of the services available are: XXGet the child’s medical records. XXInformation and referral. Commission helps XXReceive money that supports the child. XXCasework services and service planning. eligible parents XXHold or give out money that benefits the XXParent groups. with the cost of child. XXParenting programs. child care. XXConsent to get married. XXCounseling services. XXConsent to join the armed forces. XXRespite care reimbursement. XXRepresent the child in legal issues. XXCrisis intervention. XXMake legal decisions. To request post-permanency services, you XXDecide where the child lives and goes to must contact the service provider. If you school. live in the Houston area, please contact: XXMake other decisions that the child’s parent would normally make. Spaulding for Children Once the court names you permanent 6925 Portwest Drive, Ste. 110 managing conservator, the judge will Houston, TX 77024 dismiss DFPS from the case. This means (713) 681-6991 Ext. 108 Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services15
Kinship Care
If you live in the Corpus Christi or the PCA plan. Edinburg area, please contact: XXYou must negotiate, sign, and abide by Spaulding for Children the PCA agreement, which takes effect 500 N. Water St., Ste. 604 on the date you receive permanent Corpus Christi, TX 78401 managing conservatorship. (361) 850-8200 and (800) 460-6298 XXDFPS must have temporary or permanent managing conservatorship For more information, visit www. of the child on the day before the armswideadoption.org/services/ court transfers permanent managing permanency-support. conservatorship to you. What is Permanency Care PCA payments can begin the month after the court transfers permanent managing Assistance? conservatorship to you. If the agreement is The Permanency Care Assistance (PCA) not signed before the transfer of permanent program helps children and youth who managing conservatorship, eligibility is lost could not be reunited with their parents or permanently. adopted. It gives another permanent option to children who might otherwise grow What is the amount of the up in foster care. PCA provides financial Permanency support to kinship caregivers who want to Care Assistance monthly give a permanent home to children. It also payment? includes healthcare for the child. The amount of financial support you What are the eligibility receive depends on the child’s authorized Temporary service level at the time the PCA agreement requirements for Permanency is signed. Assistance to Care Assistance? The payment for a child with a Basic service Needy Families To be eligible for Permanency Care level is up to $400 per month. The payment Assistance (PCA), you must: (TANF) provides for a child with a Moderate or above service monthly financial 1. Apply to become a foster parent. level is up to $545 per month. These payments are similar to adoption assistance 2. Care for the child as a foster parent for assistance to payments. qualifying at least six months. 3. Negotiate and sign a PCA agreement. Older Youth and Permanency Care families so they Assistance 4. Go to court to get permanent managing can better care PCA benefits will continue until the youth conservatorship of the child. for children. turns 21 years old, if: Here are some other PCA requirements: XXThe youth was at least 16 years old when XXDFPS must determine that reunification you signed the PCA agreement. and adoption are not appropriate XXThe youth meets certain educational or permanency options for the child. employment eligibility requirements. XXThe child must demonstrate a strong If you have permanent managing attachment to you. conservatorship and receive PCA XXYou must have a strong commitment to benefits, the youth can also still apply for caring permanently for the child. educational training vouchers and free XXOlder youth must be consulted about college tuition. 16 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
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Permanency Care Assistance caseworker, kinship development worker, Successor Guardian adoption caseworker, or Preparation for Adult Living Program caseworker. A Permanency Care Assistance (PCA) successor is a person who is appointed to permanently care for the child if Important Terms the kinship caregiver dies or becomes Adversary hearing — A court hearing incapacitated. Appointing a successor within 14 days after DFPS removes a child. preserves the child’s eligibility for PCA The court determines whether to return the benefits. child to his or her home. Parents receive The PCA successor may receive PCA notice of this hearing. If the child is not payments if all of the following conditions returned home, the parents will be asked are met: to provide names of people who might be willing to serve as temporary caregivers of 1. You (the kinship caregiver) complete an a child. amendment to your PCA agreement to name a potential successor, or the court Attorney Ad Litem/Guardian Ad Litem – names another individual to assume The court will appoint a special attorney for legal custody of the child. the child, known as an attorney ad litem. The court may also appoint a guardian ad 2. The PCA successor’s background check litem to represent the child’s best interests. information meets DFPS standards. The guardian ad litem may or may not be 3. The PCA successor signs a PCA an attorney. agreement with DFPS. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) 4. The PCA successor submits to DFPS – A person who has received the court’s proof demonstrating that the court has approved training and has been certified by given him or her legal custody of the the court to appear at court hearings as a child. volunteer advocate on behalf of the child. Education and Training Voucher Family Group Conference – A conference (ETV) Program in which the child’s family and trusted friends agree on a plan to ensure safety, Youth who entered Permanency Care permanency, and well-being for the child Assistance after age 16 and have not turned while seeking or maintaining family age 21 may be eligible for the federal placement and support. Education and Training Voucher program. The program helps youth to participate in Final Order – A court order that determines post-secondary and vocational or technical the new legal relationship at the conclusion programs. However, the youth receives of a DFPS conservatorship case. The final Education and Training Voucher funds order may return a child to a parent, grant only after he or she uses all other types of permanent managing conservatorship to educational assistance, such as Pell grants, a relative or DFPS, or terminate a parent’s scholarships, and the Texas tuition and fee rights to the child. waiver. If these other financial aid programs Foster Home Screening/Home Assessment do not cover the cost of attendance, the – A report on the safety and appropriateness youth may receive up to $5,000 per year in of the home of any person requesting Education and Training Voucher funds. possession of a child for whom DFPS is the For more information, talk to the child’s managing conservator. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services17
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Kinship/Relative Placement – The foster care, kinship care, and placement in placement of a child in the home of a a residential care facility. relative or family friend when parents Temporary Managing Conservatorship – A cannot keep the child safe. legal order giving all of the following: Kinship Development Worker – The XXThe right to physical possession of the caseworker who works with the kinship child. caregiver and provides education, support, advocacy, and training. XXThe duty of care, control, and protection. Permanent Managing Conservatorship – Permanent legal responsibility for the child XXThe responsibility to provide for the given through a court order. Permanent child’s physical and emotional needs. managing conservatorship continues until Termination of Parental Rights – A legal the child turns 18 or is emancipated (has action that causes a parent to lose all rights his or her minority status removed), unless to the child. changed by a court order. Permanency Conference – When children Helpful Resources are in foster care, permanency planning is a process that involves meeting with Kinship Quarterly Newsletter all concerned parties (foster parents, Kinship Quarterly is a newsletter for relatives, social workers, etc.). They meet to kinship caregivers. It keeps you informed of determine a permanent living arrangement changes that affect you, resources that are for the child, known as a permanency plan. available, and the fun stuff CPS does in your Family Service Plan – An agreement community. You can find the newsletter between DFPS and the child’s parents. It by searching for Kinship Quarterly on the explains what the parents need to do and DFPS Website (www.dfps.state.tx.us/). the services DFPS will provide to help the Your kinship development worker can also parents make those changes. The parents provide you with a copy of the newsletter. must follow the service plan for the child to return home. 2-1-1 Texas 2-1-1 Texas helps Texans find the services Child Service Plan – A written plan they need. If you are looking for assistance developed by CPS and all persons with an with things like food, housing, or child interest in the child’s well-being and safety. care, dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905. You can The plan addresses the child’s needs, how also search for help in your community to address those needs, who is responsible, by visiting the 2-1-1 website: and the achievement of permanency goals. www.211texas.org. Status Hearing – A court hearing in which the Family Service Plan is discussed and Your Texas Benefits services identified in the plan are court You can find out what benefits and ordered. The court holds a status hearing services you may qualify for by using within 60 days of DFPS receiving temporary the “prescreening tool” at www. managing conservatorship of the child. yourtexasbenefits.com. After you use the Substitute Care – A temporary setting for tool, you can apply for help. children who are unable to remain safely in their own homes. Substitute care includes 18 TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
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Facebook Families Raising Children of The Kinship Program has a Facebook Color Page. This page gives you information Pact is a nonprofit organization that about community activities, resources, and provides articles, book lists, links, and other much more. Please visit us at https://www. information for families raising children of facebook.com/TexasKinshipCaregivers, and color. For more information, visit don’t forget to like us! www.pactadopt.org. Alcohol and Drug Information Supplemental Nutrition The American Council for Drug Education Assistance Program (SNAP) is a substance abuse prevention and SNAP (also known as food stamps) education agency. Learn more at provides monthly assistance to qualifying www.acde.org. families based on household size and income. The Texas Health and Human Child Care Services Commission uses current poverty If you need to find child care, you can guidelines to assess eligibility. You must search the state’s database of regulated provide proof of your household income child care. The database allows you to when you apply. For more information, visit compare how well each day care meets https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov/ state standards. For more information, visit programs/snap. www.txchildcaresearch.org. Grandparents The Child Care Services program of the Many organizations provide information Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) helps to grandparents who are raising their eligible parents with child care costs. The grandchildren, such as: eligibility requirements vary depending on where you live. To learn more, visit TWC’s XXAARP at https://www.aarp.org/ website at www.twc.state.tx.us/programs/ relationships/friends-family/info-08- child-care-services-program-overview. 2011/grandfamilies-guide-getting- started.html. Child Abuse or Neglect XXGenerations United at www.gu.org. Report child abuse or neglect to the Texas Abuse Hotline. You can file a report by Head Start Program phone at 800-252-5400 or online at: www. Head Start promotes the growth and txabusehotline.org. If the report is urgent, development of children ages 3 to 5 years please call the hotline. Call 911 in an old from low-income families. Early Head emergency or life-threatening situation. Start provides learning and development services for families with children up to Early Childhood Intervention age 3. For more information, visit the Services Texas Head Start Association’s website: www.txhsa.org. Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is for families with children younger than three Social Security Card and Benefits years old who have developmental delays or disabilities. You can find out more about You do not have to be the child’s legal ECI at: hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/ guardian to obtain a new or replacement early-childhood-intervention-services. Social Security card for the child. U.S. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services19
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citizens need a copy of their birth certificate Case Information or Complaints or baptismal record. The DFPS Office of Consumer Relations SSI provides monthly financial help to (OCR) reviews complaints about CPS cases. low-income elderly, blind, or disabled OCR also answers questions about CPS individuals, including children. policy and processes. You can reach OCR at (800) 720-7777 or [email protected]. Social Security dependent’s benefits are paid to children younger than 18 on HHSC Foster Care Ombudsman the record of a parent who is collecting retirement or disability benefits from Social The Foster Care Ombudsman listens to and Security. Survivor’s benefits are paid to helps children currently in foster care. The children younger than 18 on the record of ombudsman’s office: a parent who has died. If you are caring for XXMakes sure children understand their a child receiving these benefits, you must rights while in foster care. apply to receive these benefits. Visit XXReviews a child’s questions and www.ssa.gov for more information. complaints about his or her case. Temporary Assistance for Needy XXWith a youth’s permission, works with Families (TANF) other people to improve his or her care. TANF provides monthly financial assistance A child can contact the Ombudsman for to qualifying families so they can better Children and Youth at 1-844-286-0769. For care for children. This program also helps more information, visit https://hhs.texas. children who don’t have parental support gov/about-hhs/your-rights/ombudsman- or care. Children who are eligible for foster-care-help. TANF are also eligible for Medicaid health care assistance. For more information, visit yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov/ programs/tanf.
Texas Education Agency The Texas Education Agency oversees and provides resources to public school districts, including special education services and other federal programs to help students with special needs. For more information, visit www.tea.state.tx.us. TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
Kinship Care
Important Information About Children in Your Care
Child's Birth Name
Social Security # Date of Birth Allergies Medication
Biological Mother Biological Father Address/Phone # Address/Phone #
Caseworker Supervisor Address/Phone # Phone #
School/Daycare Doctor’s Name Phone # Phone #
Child's Birth Name
Social Security # Date of Birth Allergies Medication
Biological Mother Biological Father Address/Phone # Address/Phone #
Caseworker Supervisor Address/Phone # Phone #
School/Daycare Doctor’s Name Phone # Phone # Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Kinship Care
Important Information About Children in Your Care
Child's Birth Name
Social Security # Date of Birth Allergies Medication
Biological Mother Biological Father Address/Phone # Address/Phone #
Caseworker Supervisor Address/Phone # Phone #
School/Daycare Doctor’s Name Phone # Phone #
Child's Birth Name
Social Security # Date of Birth Allergies Medication
Biological Mother Biological Father Address/Phone # Address/Phone #
Caseworker Supervisor Address/Phone # Phone #
School/Daycare Doctor’s Name Phone # Phone # TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services
Kinship Care Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Kinship Care TexasTexas Department Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services21
Kinship Care Texas TexasDepartment Department of Family of Family and and Protective Protective Services Services Kinship Care Kinship Care Manual
2018 Stock Code #P20914-0000