Kinship Care Program

Kentucky's Kinship Care Program, which began statewide in 2000, was established as an alternative to foster care for children when the cabinet has substantiated abuse or neglect against their parents (dependency if both parents are deceased) and who would otherwise be removed from the home of their parents. 

Relatives who are considered for the kinship care program must be related to the child by either blood, marriage or adoption and must meet the following eligibility requirements:  be willing to obtain temporary custody of the child, pass a home evaluation, pass a child abuse and neglect check and a criminal background check and be willing to obtain permanent custody of the child(ren) within 12 months if reunification with the parents is not possible. 

The child's income is also considered during the application process.  For children who are already in foster care or in the cabinet's custody, and a relative is later identified as a possible placement, this relative can be considered for kinship care if they meet the above mentioned criteria. 

Protection and permanency provides case management services to the child, parents and relatives by visiting monthly, case planning services and by making referrals to agencies for services etc. 

Daycare for relatives is based on their income. Startup funds to assist relatives with initial placement needs such as clothing, school supplies, transitioning to a larger living space, and bedding are based on need and are determined during the home evaluation. 

As of December 2006,  there were approximately 8,000 children receiving kinship care benefits in Kentucky.