- I received a call from Department of Child Services (DCS) to pick up my grandchildren/relatives to keep them from going into care. What does that mean?
This may mean the children are involved in an assessment as victims of child abuse or neglect and they may need to stay in foster care or with relatives. The family case manager will explain your caregiving role and responsibilities.
- I received my grandchildren/relatives from DCS, and I have not heard from anyone since. What do I do?
Call DCS at 1-800-800-5556 or go to your county DCS office and ask to speak with the family case manager to determine the next steps.
- What is the difference between guardianship and custody through DCS?
DCS is responsible for the child and you are the temporary placement if you have gained custody through DCS. Guardianship is a legal process giving you custody of the child, and DCS is usually not involved.
- Why is relative care/kinship care important?
Nationwide research has shown children who have been removed from their biological parents have better outcomes, less disruption and are able to maintain family ties when they are placed with relatives or other kinship (such as step parents, or close family friends).
- How can I get my grandchildren/relative tested for special education services?
You can talk with your grandchild/relative’s teacher or school principal about your concerns. You can also reach out to the family case manager is assigned to your case.
- How do I contact someone at DCS in the event of an emergency for the children placed in my care?
Call 1-800-800-5556 at any time (24/7) for any kind of assistance. If there is a true emergency, all 911.
- Am I eligible for SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program)?
SNAP benefits are based on your income. You may be eligible for SNAP if you qualify financially. You can apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal If you are already receiving SNAP, you can add the child to your case.
- Is the grandchild/relative I am caring for eligible for Medicaid?
Usually, yes. Children who have been placed in a relative caregiver’s home by DCS will be eligible because eligibility is based on the child’s income. However certain other requirements must be met, and may include your age and whether the child is a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant. You can apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal.
- Can I get TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) for my grandchild/relative?
TANF is an income-based eligibility program that may be based on the child’s income. You must be able to prove your identity, residency, degree of relation to child, citizenship and more. Applying for TANF may take up to 45 days. You can apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal.
- Are there any medical programs for elderly or disabled caretakers?
If you are 65 years old, blind or disabled, you need medical assistance or assistance paying with your Medicare premium (and you meet the income/resources limit), then you may be eligible for Medicaid under the ABD (Aged, Blinded and Disabled) Medicaid. You can apply on the FSSA Benefits Portal for more information.
- Can I get help with child care expenses?
You may be able to get a daily stipend for child care expenses if you are employed or a student. Please contact your family case manager for more information. You may also be eligible for child care vouchers if you are employed or seeking employment. To apply for child care vouchers, you will have to visit your local intake center. To find your local center, please see Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).
- What do I do if I need help for mental health, addictive diseases and developmental disorders?
Call 211. This hotline will connect you with trained, professional counselors who can help you get the services needed for you or someone you know who is in emotional distress, a suicidal crisis or who has other problems with mental health, drugs or alcohol. Your family case manager can also assist with this need.
- I am a relative caregiver and the whereabouts of the child’s parents are unknown. Are there any services that can assist me with finding them?
Yes, the Department of Child Services has services available to help locate parents or other relatives. Talk to you family case manager to get assistance.
- How would I find a kinship/relative support group?
To locate a support group in your area, contact your family case manager or call 211.
- Can DCS provide me with a housing voucher?
No, DCS cannot provide housing vouchers, however they may be able to refer you to another community partner or provide services to help with your housing need.
- Who can watch the children for a couple of hours if I want to go shopping alone?
You can leave the child with another family member or babysitter, however each person who takes care of the child may be asked to complete a limited criminal history and child protective services check. Contact your family case manager for more information.
- Can I receive a monthly payment for taking on my grandchildren/relatives?
Unlicensed kinship caregivers are eligible to receive a monthly stipend. Learn more about the stipend here.
- How do I go about obtaining medical care/treatment for the children placed in my care?
You will be provided with an authorization for care and a placement letter that will authorize you to seek medical care for children in your care from the family case manager.
- If the biological parents are unable to regain custody of the children will I be granted permanent care and how does this process work?
You may gain custody of the children, however, there is a legal process involved. DCS’s goal is always reunification of children with their parents, however, if that can’t happen, the DCS’s next step would be to look into relative care as an option for permanent case closure.
- How often will someone from DCS be visiting my home to see the children placed in my care?
Someone will come to your home at least every other month, but may come as often as every 30 days.
