The Promoting Permanency Through Kinship Families Act would change federal child welfare rules to support placing children with relatives or other trusted people when they cannot safely live with their parents. It would require agencies to make and document ongoing efforts to find relatives, explain with clear and convincing evidence certain decisions against kinship placements, and take steps to keep children safely in kinship homes. The bill would also require states to join the kinship guardianship assistance program, remove an age limit for caregivers who are at least 18, and end an income eligibility test for certain foster care payments. It would add kinship support services such as crisis help, family-finding, and assistance with immediate needs. The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
If enacted, the bill could change how child welfare agencies search for and assess relatives and other trusted adults as caregivers. Kin caregivers could have access to additional support services, and certain children in foster homes could qualify for maintenance payments without the specified income test. The bill also sets requirements for agencies when considering parental rights and kinship placements.
The bill does not state a total cost. It describes support services that may include direct cash payments to kin caregivers and requires states to maintain a specified level of spending on kinship placements.
The bill text says its purpose is to promote kinship care, remove barriers to safe care by relatives and fictive kin, and support resources and services for kin caregivers. No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.