Kinship Care
Kinship Care is when a relative or non-relative has taken over the full-time care, nurturing and protection of a child. The definition for kinship caregivers also goes beyond the scope of blood relatives and may include an adult who has a familiar relationship/bond with the child and/or family.
Franklin County Children Services coordinates several programs that provide support and resources for kinship families. Also visit Grandparents.com for advice and tools for kinship care.
Read more about our Kinship Care program in our Kinship Care brochure. Click here to view a printable copy.
Are you a grandparent who is caring for a grandchild in Ohio but cannot make vital decisions because you don't have legal custody?
For more information, visit www.pcsao.org and www.kinshipohio.org.
FCCS Kinship Care Services
Closed Case Services
The purpose of the Kinship Care program is to provide support services to those extended family members who accept the charge of caregiver at Franklin County Children Services case closure. This service will be provided through service linkage, support groups, and one-to-one counseling (when needed).
The goal is to provide needed support to:
- Help strengthen the home that has taken on new and challenging family dynamics as a Kinship Care provider
- Avoid disruption and the return to open case services and/or placement
The Kinship Care program will be offering the following services to Franklin County Children Services (closed case) Kinship Care providers. All applicants must meet the federal poverty guidelines to qualify, and must have taken legal custody of the children within 5 years of FCCS case closure. Some of the benefits have a one-time limit and others have annual limits. These services will be in operation as long as funds are available.
- Beds, Cribs, and Dressers (one time only)
- Clothing Gift Cards
- Deposit/Rent/Mortgage or Utility Assistance (one time only)
- Food Gift Cards
- Monthly Bus Passes
- Respite Care
- Summer Camp
- Kinship Provides Support Groups and Workshops
Open Case Services
The purpose of the Kinship Care open case services is to ensure teamwork and communication between kinship families and the agency. The goal is that Kinship Care will provide a one stop shop for support services to open case kinship families. Services include:
- Educational Orientation About FCCS and Support Services
- Limited Material Assistance (to those who qualify)
- Assistance with Case Transition