Denial or Closure of TANF Kinship Care 400-19-140-15

(Revised 5/1/2023 ML #3704)

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TANF Kinship Care applications shall be denied or cases shall be closed when:

  1. The foster care case manager recommends, on SFN 426, Kinship Care Study, that the kinship care not be approved, but the child(ren) remain in the home.

    Note: If all factors of eligibility are met, the application may not be denied or the case closed as the family may be eligible to receive regular TANF benefits.

  2. The results of the fingerprint based criminal background check (referred to as a background check) do not allow eligibility under TANF Kinship Care.

    Note: If all factors of eligibility are met, the application may not be denied or the case closed as the family may be eligible to receive regular TANF benefits

  3. When a North Dakota Human Service Zone, the North Dakota Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) or a North Dakota Tribal Agency no longer has care, custody and control of the child.

    Note: If all factors of eligibility are met, the application may not be denied or the case closed as the family may be eligible to receive regular TANF benefits.

  4. The caretaker adopts the child. The household will not longer be eligible for TANF Kinship Care Assistance as of the last day of the month the adoption becomes final.

    Note: If all factors of eligibility are met, the application may not be denied or the case closed as the family may be eligible to receive regular TANF benefits.

  5. The household fails to comply with TANF Program requirements.

     

  6. When a child leaves the home or is no longer eligible for TANF Kinship Care and there is no other eligible TANF Kinship Care child(ren) in the home.

     

  7. When a caretaker relative within the 5th degree is no longer present in the home.

     

  8. A completed background check is not received after 90 days from the TANF Kinship Care application date or date of eligibility, whichever is later, for all household members age 18 or older.

    Note: If all factors of eligibility are met, the case may not be closed as the family may be eligible to receive regular TANF benefits.

When a TANF Kinship Care case that included the same children has been closed and reopens within 6 months of the closing, a new SFN 423, Kinship Care Placement and SFN 426, Kinship Care Study are not required unless circumstances have changed within the household such as the presence of additional household members. All other required forms and background checks must be completed.  

 

When a TANF Kinship Care case that included the same children has been closed for a full calendar month or more, upon reapplication a new background check and the child abuse and neglect background check must be completed.  

Note: If an individual age 18 or older moves into the home of an ‘ongoing’ TANF Kinship Care placement, a background check and child abuse and neglect background check must be completed for that individual. (See Section 400-19-140-05, Overview).