TANF Kinship Care 400-19-140

 

Overview 400-19-140-05

(Revised 6/1/10 ML #3218)

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(N.D.A.C. 75-02-01.2-02.2)

 

TANF Kinship Care was implemented in North Dakota on February 1, 2005. This program provides enhanced funding and services in order to expand the options for placement of children who are in the care, custody, and control of County Social Services, Division of Juvenile Services (DJS) or Executive Director, Department of Human Services. As an alternative to Foster Care, children may now be placed with relatives who are within the 5th degree of relationship to the child. TANF Kinship Care can be provided without having to meet all of the requirements of the Foster Care Program. However, Kinship care rules follow many of the same rules as foster care.

 

In order to be eligible for TANF Kinship Care, the County Social Services, Division of Juvenile Services (DJS) or Executive Director, Department of Human Services within North Dakota must have care, custody, and control. If an agency in another state has care, custody and control, the out of state agency has financial responsibility for the child they place. The out of state agency must follow the Interstate Compact process when placing a child in North Dakota with relatives.

 

Before a child can be placed in TANF Kinship Care the agency having care, custody, and control of the child must complete SFN 423, Kinship Placement, SFN 424, Kinship Care Agreement, SFN 426, Kinship Care Study, and a child abuse and neglect background check of the household members where the child will be placed. A criminal background check must be completed within 90 days of placement along with other investigations as the department may determine necessary.

 

Note: The Foster Care Administrative Rules at 75-03-14 regarding background checks apply to Kinship Care.