Let's spend a few minutes today learning a little more about relative care giver funds with thanks to our friends at Florida's Center for the Advancement of Child Welfare Practice.
What are the eligibility requirements for the relative caregiver program?
Relatives must be within the fifth degree by blood or marriage to the parent or stepparent; the child(ren) must be under age 18, placed as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment, adjudicated dependent, a United States citizen or qualified alien and reside in Florida and placed by a Florida court; there must be an approved home study; and there must be a court order placing children in temporary legal custody of the relative.
- § 39.5085(2)(a-e), Florida Statutes (2011).
- Rule 65C-28.008, Rule 65C-30.009(2)(c)b, Florida Administrative Code (2011).
- Operating Procedure № 175-79, Florida Department of Children and Families (2001).
Can a relative get relative caregiver funds under the "Fit and Willing Relative" permanency goal?
Yes, if the relatives meet the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) relative caregiver eligibility requirements.
- § 39.5085(1)(c), Florida Statutes (2011).
Can a relative get relative caregiver funds if the parent of the child lives in the home?
No, the parent and child cannot reside in the same home. If the parent is in the home thirty consecutive days or more, then the relative caregiver payment must be terminated. If the parent is under the age of eighteen, then the relative may receive the relative caregiver payment if both the minor parent and child have been adjudicated dependent and placed in the home by the court.
- Policy 2020.0402, Economic Self-Sufficiency Public Assistance Manual, Florida Department of Children and Families (2007).
