ACL 11-15: New Kin-Gap Program Requirements (1/31/11)

Effective January 1, 2011,the Kin-Gap program is enhanced. New improvements include:

  • Federal Financial Participation (FFP) for foster children placed with an approved relative guardian who are Title IV-E eligible, and providing for a parallel state funded Kin-GAP Program for foster children placed with an approved relative who are not Title IV-E eligible;
  • Reducing the length of time that a court-dependent child must reside in the approved home of the prospective relative guardian while under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court or a voluntary placement agreement from 12 to 6 consecutive months;
  • Continued eligibility for Kin-GAP regardless of the state of residence
    of the relative guardian and child;
  • Requiring the county child welfare agency, probation department, or Title IV-E agreement tribe to enter into a binding written agreement with the relative guardian;
  • Allowing the above entities and the relative guardian to renegotiate the payment amount based on the changing needs of the child and the circumstances of the relative;
  • Allowing entry into the Kin-GAP Program under a voluntary placement agreement with an approved relative that resulted in a guardianship being established in juvenile court under W&IC section 360; and
  • Extending Kin-GAP benefits to age 21 for a youth who has a physical or mental disability that warrants the continuation of assistance.

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