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Kinship Navigator - Comparison of Custodial Arrangements

Legal Arrangements Procedure Authority Security & Stability
 Financial Assistance1
 Kinship Resources
Non-Legal Custodian Affidavit
 Form signed by person caring for the child
 Limited medical and education decisions but not always accepted
 No Protection  Kinship Subsidy2 Kinship Navigator;
DCFS Kinship Programs
Provisional Custody By Mandate
 Form signed by parent in front of a notary
 Full decision making but not always accepted by the schools
Only good for 1 year and can be revoked at any time during the year Kinship Subsidy2 Kinship Navigator;
DCFS Kinship Programs
Voluntary Transfer Of Custody
 Petition filed in Court with the cooperation of the parent
 Full decision-making
 Court ordered protection and can only be changed by the court
 Kinship Subsidy2 Kinship Navigator;
DCFS Kinship Programs
Child in Need of Care Kinship Custody
 Petition filed with the court and the court must find abuse or neglect
 Full decision-making Court ordered protection and can only be changed by the court
 No foster care payment but may receive Kinship Subsidy
 Kinship Navigator;
DCFS Kinship Programs
Child in Need of Care Foster Care
 Petition filed with the court and the court must find abuse or neglect
 State retains ultimate decision-making
 Court ordered protection for legal custody but DCFS can determine the child's placement
 Foster Care Payments3
 Kinship Navigator;
DCFS Kinship Programs;
DCFS Foster Care Programs and Supports
Child in Need of Care Guardianship
 Petition filed with the court and the court must find abuse or neglect
 Full decision-making Court ordered protection and can only be changed by the court
 May be eligible for Guardianship Subsidy
 Kinship Navigator;
DCFS Kinship Programs
Adoption Petition filed with the court
Parents rights must be surrendered or terminated		 Full decision-making Court ordered protection and can only be changed by the court
 May be eligible for Adoption Subsidy
  
Non-Parental Custody Petiotion filed wirth the court and the court must fins that parental custody will substantially harm the child and the non-parent can provide a stable home Decision-making is based on the court's order
Court ordered protection and can only be changed by the court
 Kinship Subsidy2 and any support ordered by the court
 Kinship Navigator;
DCFS Kinship Programs
Tutorship Petition filed with court to determine who is legally responsible for the child and the child's finances Decision-making is based on the court's order
 Court ordered protection and can only be changed by the court
 Kinship Subsidy2 and any support ordered by the court
 Kinship Navigator;
DCFS Kinship Programs
1. Low income families can apply for financial assistance such as SNAP (food stamps). FITAP. etc. at www.dcfs.la.gov/familysupport

2. Must be a blood relative and meet income guidelines. Apply at www.dcfs.la.gov/familysupport/kcsp

3. Must be a DCFS certified foster home

 

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