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Home > Adoption > Types of Adoption > Types of Adoptive Families > Kinship/Relative Families
Kinship/Relative Families
Information on the adoption by someone related to the child by family ties or prior relationship connection. Resources include State and local examples.
Children's Level of Adjustment in Kinship, Foster, and Matched Adoptions
Howard, Smith, & Livingston (2003)
In After Adoption: The Needs of Adopted Youth
View Abstract
Findings from a study that examined the experiences of 1,343 parents of children adopted from the public child welfare system to explore how they are functioning years after the adoption. Differences in adoptions by kin, foster parents, and those matched with children for the purpose of adoption are presented.
Finding Permanent Homes for Foster Children: Issues Raised by Kinship Care (PDF - 135 KB)
Urban Institute (2003)
Reviewed local kinship care policies and practices in 13 counties in Alabama, California, Connecticut, and Indiana to identify barriers to permanency for children in kinship care, including barriers to kinship adoption.
Stepparent Adoption
Stepparent adoption is governed by State law. Most States make the adoption process a little easier for stepparents, but requirements for home studies, criminal background checks, and procedures for obtaining consent of the noncustodial parent vary widely by State. This factsheet offers general information about legal issues to consider and steps to take when adopting a stepchild. While most stepparent adoptions can be done without the help of a lawyer, stepparents may wish to consult an adoption attorney to understand the specific legal requirements in their State. Resources for more information are included.
Upping the Ante: Relative Caregivers' Perceptions of Changes in Child Welfare Policies
O'Brien, Massat, & Gleeson
Child Welfare, 80(6), 2001
View Abstract
Examines results of a survey of attitudes and concerns among 35 kinship caregivers toward welfare reform policies at the State and Federal level aimed at encouraging kinship adoption or assumed guardianship.
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State and local examples
Adoption by Relatives in Wisconsin Including Stepparent Adoption
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (2004)
Summary of the relative adoption process in Wisconsin.
Adoption Support Services for Kinship Caregivers and Their Adolescents
Child Welfare League of America (2003)
View Abstract
Discusses a project designed to improve permanency, safety, and well-being for adolescents, with a special emphasis on reducing the number of kinship adoption disruptions. Includes A Guide for Kinship Adoptive Caregivers.
The African American Kinship Adoption Project Evaluation Final Report to Medina Children's Services
Medina Children's Services (2002)
View Abstract
Project to expedite the kinship adoptions of African American children through strengths-based family assessment, preadoption preparation of the child and the family, financial assistance, interagency collaboration, recruitment, and postadoption support.
A Family To Family Model Concurrent Kinship And Foster To Adopt Family Plan For Special Needs Children (Two Ways Home)
Beech Brook (2004)
View Abstract
Activities and outcomes of Two Ways Home, a community-based program to increase and expedite the placement and adoption of children with special needs in a relative's home, and to develop a concurrent alternative plan for children for whom no permanent home has been found.
Final Progress Report: Innovations to Increase Permanency Options for Children in Kinship Care
Institute for Black Parenting (2003)
View Abstract
This private agency in California developed strategies to achieve adoption and guardianship for children in kinship care.
Raising Relatives' Children (PDF - 523 KB)
Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (2005)
Information and resources for Iowa kinship care providers.
Spaulding For Children MI-FAMILY Project Final Evaluation
Spaulding for Children (2003)
View Abstract
Training evaluation results and case data from the MI-Family Project to promote kinship adoptions for children in foster care.
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