When CPS decides to remove a child from the custody of their parents, they usually pursue a kinship placement before considering foster placements. Kinship Care is when CPS places a child in the temporary custody of a family member or a close family friend. The intention is to help children stay connected to their communities and cultural identities while their parents work to improve their situation. The initial goal in most kinship cases is reunification. When placed with a kinship caregiver, children live in a familiar setting, and parents feel a sense of hope while they receive services.

CPS must approve kinship caregivers before they are allowed to accept placement, but kinship caregivers are not required to become licensed foster parents. Community members who wish to become licensed foster parents undergo an application process that can last several months, but the decision to become a kinship caregiver is sometimes unforeseen. CPS notifies family members when they place a child in state custody, and family members have an opportunity to become kinship caregivers. Unexpected lifestyle changes are difficult for anyone. Luckily, there are resources for kinship caregivers.

State Benefits for Kinship Families

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program to help families buy healthy food. Families who qualify for SNAP can use their Lone Star Card at participating retailers to purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and even seeds for planting. SNAP benefits are temporary. Most benefits last six months but can last as long as three years. When a benefit period ends, families must reapply.

Kinship caregivers may also qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This program provides a monthly cash benefit to allow families who meet certain income criteria to help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, and medical supplies not paid for by Medicaid. In addition to income restrictions, TANF families must also adhere to certain guidelines. TANF benefits may last anywhere from 12 to 36 months, depending on caregivers’ education, economic situation, and work experience.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded nutrition program for pregnant women and families with children younger than 5. You may have seen the “WIC” labels on low-fat and high-fiber foods in the grocery store while shopping, but you may not know that WIC also offers one-on-one counseling with nutritionists, cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes, and breastfeeding support. You can set up your first appointment using the WIC office locator or by calling 1-800-942-3678.

STAR Health Medicaid pays for most medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, and prescription healthcare expenses for children in DFPS custody. Use the free Health Passport system to find providers in the Star Health network, and track the child’s health information.

You can learn more about the resources for kinship caregivers listed above and find out if you qualify by visiting https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home. They even have an app to help you manage your benefits. When you apply for benefits, you will be asked to provide information about everyone applying, such as:

• Social Security number and birth date

• Citizenship or immigration status

• Money from jobs and other sources

• The value of cars and other property

• Costs you pay for bills

Childcare Help for Kinship Families

For families who qualify, subsidized child care is available from Child Care Management Services (CCMS). Kinship caregivers receiving CCMS must work at least 40 hours per week outside the home. Full-time students or volunteers do not qualify. The child must be in kindergarten or younger (during the school year) or 13 years old or younger during the summer and spring break. Applications can take six to eight weeks to process. CCMS payments must be reauthorized every six months. If caregivers reapply for coverage on time, they may experience a lapse in coverage.

Head Start is another program available to families with children ages zero to age five. Head Start is a federally funded program with services that support early learning and development, health, and family wellbeing. You can click this link to find a Head Start Center near you. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator

What benefits are available to kinship families who visit Hope Cottage?

Hope Cottage is committed to serving all families with compassionate care no matter their background or circumstances. We offer a variety of services to reach this commitment.

If you are currently a Kinship Caregiver and have placement of a child through CPS, Hope Cottage can help you become a fully licensed foster parent. Kinship Caregivers receive individualized and compassionate support services during and after licensure. During the licensing process, support may be available to help offset the cost of state licensing requirements, including background check fees and CPR/First Aid certification. Once a Kinship Caregiver is licensed as a foster family through Hope Cottage, the family will receive a monthly reimbursement from the Department of Family and Protective Services. Unlike the programs listed above, these reimbursements do not have a time or income eligibility limit. In addition to the monthly reimbursement, Hope Cottage also provides all licensed families with monthly materials assistance, which may include clothing, toys, school supplies, and other necessities. Licensed Caregivers also qualify for the Permanency Care Assistance Program. If reunification cannot be achieved with the child’s biological parent, the Licensed Caregiver can apply for financial support to help provide a permanent home for the child in their care.

If you are interested in becoming a Licensed Kinship Caregiver, contact Jayla Godbolt at jgodbolt@hopecottage.org.