Relatives and friends are the most natural resources there are to help and support bio-parents and children in need of out-of-home care. Therefore, DHHS is required by law to find and contact relatives and other people with close connections to the family when a child enters state custody.
Kinship & Relative caregivers have a connection to this family that none of the professionals have. This connection is real and important, even if they “haven’t talked in ages.’”
Because of the connection to the family, a Relative or Kinship home may:
- Best meet the child’s needs.
- Maintain better connections to the child’s family.
- Offer the permanency the child might need.
For Relatives, please look at the Online Foster Parent Training available on the DHHS website. It will take approximately 5 hours to complete all the modules to help in getting you licensed as a Relative Foster Home (Those who are related to the child by blood, marriage or adoption).
For Kinship families (those known to the child but are not related), you will need to go through the entire process of becoming a licensed foster parent.
Please give NFAPA a call for any questions you may have about foster care. 877-257-0176