Permanent custodianship or guardianship of a child can be an alternative to adoption. The child’s case management provider determines if adoption does not best meet the child’s needs. If that is the case, a custodian or guardian can exercise all of the rights and responsibilities of a parent. Custodianship or guardianship also provides the child with greater assurance of stability in placement.
Requirements
- To be eligible for permanent custodianship the family must:
- have a written home assessment;
- pass all criminal background checks; and
- pass Kansas Child Abuse Neglect Registry checks.
- Some case management providers may request the family participate in TIPS-MAPP class. This class provides key information for the family to ensure they fully understand:
- the commitment to the child;
- the effects of separation from biological parents and family; and
- the potential effects of abuse and neglect.
Financial Assistance
All custodians are expected to provide for the child’s education, support, medical care, and daily living costs. However, financial support might be available to help with these expenses.
- Custodians/guardians may apply for Temporary Assistance to Families (TANF) as well as a medical card for the child by contacting DCF at 1-888-369-4777 or www.dcf.ks.gov.
- The child also might be eligible for the Permanent Custodianship Subsidy (PCS). Department for Children and Families (DCF) must determine if the child is eligible for guardianship/custodianship because adoption is not a viable option. In order to be eligible the child must be:
- age 14 or older;
- part of a sibling group with at least one child age 14 or older, and siblings are placed together.
- Custodians/guardians may request to become the payee for benefits on behalf of the child. Permanent custodianship/guardianship eligibility is determined by the child’s case management provider on a case-by-case basis.
