Kinship caregivers have many questions concerning a variety of topics, such as the availability of services, legal issues, and problems that may arise, etc. Some of these questions can be answered here. Please refer to the following list of the most frequently asked questions, and the answers provided:

1. I have legal custody of my niece. Can I become her foster parent so I can get other financial help that the county gives to foster families?

   No, foster homes and foster parents are used only in situations where the county has temporary or permanent custody of the child. If you have legal custody there can be no foster home placement under current laws. You are entitled to seek child support from both parents.

2. I have just taken children into my home. What immediate problems can I expect?

   The safety of the children may be your first concern if you removed them from a difficult home environment. Every child is entitled to a safe home. However, if you (or the Public Children Services Agency) do(es) not have legal custody of the children, a parent can take them away at any time. You may want to seek professional advice about your situation.

   Other major issues you may face:

   • Your expenses will increase. Your budget may not stretch to include the increased costs of feeding, clothing and caring for the children. You may need to check into applying for public assistance, if you are eligible. Child support services are very limited if you do not have legal custody of the child.
   • Medical care for the children will be a concern. They may be eligible for health insurance but you will need to find out if they can get coverage.
   • School placement can be a problem because public school districts have the right to limit enrollment to residents of their districts. If the children’s status in your home is unclear, they may be denied school entry.
   • Behavior and discipline may present challenges because the children may act out feelings of anger, fear and sadness. You may need to find counseling and professional guidance for them from a social worker, clergy person, doctor or other adult caregiver.

 

3. Should I consult an attorney?

   Responsibility for the care of a child is a serious matter and it is your right to seek legal advice. There are legal issues whether the parents, county, or you have custody of the child. There is often more than one right answer to the question of what is the best placement for the child.

4. If I become my little brother’s foster parent, can I keep him with me until he is grown?

   As a foster parent you would not have legal custody of your brother. The PCSA has custody. By law, the county is charged with seeking a stable, permanent home for each child in care. Legally, your brother could be adopted by another family, he could be moved into another foster home or another relative could gain custody of him. The only adults who have rights to keep children when they have been taken from their parents are those who have adopted the child or taken legal custody of the child.

5. Do I have to give information about my bank account and finances to receive any government assistance for relatives in my care?

   Not necessarily, if you seek cash assistance and Ohio Health Plan coverage for yourself and/or food stamps for your household, you must disclose your income and financial resources.

6. Can the child’s biological parent(s) take the child from my home when I have told them "no"?

   It depends on the children’s legal status. You have full rights to say "no" only if you have adopted the children. If you have legal custody, the parents may be granted the right to visit the children by court order. However, they could take them without your consent if there is no court order. Legal custody means that you are responsible for taking care of the children until they are adults. If the county has custody of the children in your care, the biological parent cannot take them without the agreement of the PCSA or a court order. If you have not adopted the child(ren) and neither you nor the PCSA has either legal custody of the child(ren) or a temporary court injunction preventing the child(ren)’s removal, then the biological parent(s) could take back the child(ren) without your consent. If they do so and you fear for their safety, you need to contact the PCSA to intervene.

7. Does my income count in applying for the county’s child care assistance?

   Yes, if you have legal custody or have adopted the children. Eligibility for child care would be based on your income. If the county still has custody (called an open case), you would be eligible for child care assistance with no income limits. It is important to note that, in all cases, the child care subsidy is available only to care givers who are working full time or part time or enrolled in education or training leading to employment. The child care subsidy pays a large part of the child care cost; the family pays some of the cost on a sliding fee scale. The county issues a voucher that can be used for care in a child care center, child care home or by a relative or other adult.

8. My unmarried son wants to take his child into my home. Can we do this?

   There are legal issues around paternity, custody and visitation that must be addressed in this situation. Your son will want to establish his rights to the child through the court system.
   

9. I am caring for my grandchildren and I am worn out. Is there someone I can talk to about my problems?

   Yes. You may want to consider counseling for yourself and the children. Also, you may want to join a Grandparents Support Group. The group members offer member support by sharing ideas and information. Most of all, they give you a chance to spend time with others going through the same experiences in caring for children. You will know that you are not alone.
   

10. I am having trouble reaching one of the county caseworkers involved with my family. What do I do if I can’t get the worker on the phone?

    In general, if you know the phone number, call the worker’s supervisor. If not, call the main number for your local County Department of Job and Family Services and ask to speak to your caseworker’s supervisor.

What is the role of a Public Children Services Agency?

• If the children in your care were abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents, a part of your county government known as the Public Children Services Agency (PCSA) may become involved with your family. The PCSA’s job is to protect children from abuse and neglect, and to help their families. Sometimes the agency becomes involved because a family asks for help. Other times, someone else – such as a neighbor or doctor – reports that a child is in danger.
• The PCSA, because of its important job of keeping children safe, has powers that other agencies do not have. If an agency worker finds a child in danger, there are steps the agency can take to physically remove the child from the parent or other caregiver. For example, a PCSA might remove a child from the parent’s home and then ask you to care for the child.
• That does not mean, of course, that an agency worker can move children from home to home at will. PCSAs must follow laws and rules, and must have their actions approved by a judge. Parents and other care givers can disagree with the PCSA’s actions. They can tell the judge their side of the story, and have a lawyer present any other information that will help the judge decide. The court system – not the PCSA or the parent – will make the final decisions.