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8.7 Placement Selection of Children with Kin

Once placement is determined to be the needed safety intervention the worker must search for the best available resource. This search should involve the parent and focus on whether there are any relatives who can meet the child's needs. Using the "steps for assessing non custodial parents and relatives for placement", the worker determines who can best meet the child's needs. Even with relatives the worker must be vigilant in matching the child's needs with the skills and abilities of the relative. While the initial placement may have been based on limited information, the ongoing assessment and evaluation of a child's needs may indicate that the child requires a move to another home within the kinship network. As in placements with licensed caregivers, the provisions of IEPA must be followed in placement with kin and the Child/Caregiver Matching Tool must be used.

As the network broadens and additional resources are identified, the worker and members of the network should determine which home provides the best match. The best resource (relative or non-relative) must be locatedand the child placed during the first 90 days of service..

Hints for Locating Relative Resources

• Begin the placement search as soon as possible: Kinship care will reduce a child's separation trauma from their parents only if it can be made quickly. If possible avoid an interim placement.
• Start with the parents: Ask the parents to name relative placement resources. Be aware that parents may withhold information or be influenced by past hurt or anger. Engage the parents around the needs of the child and the possibility that relative care may ease the trauma of separation.
• Don't forget the fathers and the paternal relatives: Even if placement with a non-custodial father is not possible discussions with him may open up other relative placement possibilities.
• Talk with the child: Children may be able to name relatives or other adults whom they like and trust. Always ask them about their view of a relative prior to placement and address any concerns which they may have.
• Be creative: Look at the broad kinship network when considering alternatives. Work with the relative to overcome barriers if the placement offers the child a good chance for a stable, caring home within the family framework.
• Be persistent: While it is often important to make a placement decision quickly, especially on the initial placement, continue to work within the broader kinship network to build relationships, secure additional information and make better, more informed choices which promote permanency, well-being, and child safety. (Mickens & Baker, 1997)

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