US: A Model Standard for Approving Kinship Caregivers (Requires subscription)
Imprint – October 10, 2023
In March, The Imprint published a column from a group of advocates who were planning to build a new path for child welfare systems to use for approving or licensing kinship caregivers. The impetus for this quest: a proposed rule put forth by the Biden administration that would allow states to develop a different standard for kin approvals than for other foster parents, but still permit the use of federal funding to support these relatives. Mark Testa, a former university professor and widely cited expert on kinship care, called the proposed regulation “the most important advance the federal government has made in kinship care policy in the last 40 years.” The administration made the new rules around kinship care official in late September. And last week, that group of advocates has published a model standard for kinship approval they are hoping states will consider adopting. The standards were co-designed with input from states, tribes, subject matter experts as well as families. The 61-page document is built around a three-step process for states to use in approving relative caregivers: background checks, gauging caregiver suitability and conducting safety and needs assessments. Steps in the licensure of non-relative foster homes – such as a home study, vaccinations, training classes and medical exams – are options as part of support for the caregivers, but not required for approval.
https://imprintnews.org/youth-services-insider/model-standard-approving-kinship-caregivers/245279