The following resources discuss reasons for placing children with relatives or kin, considerations for kinship caregivers, and strategies for making-decisions in the children's best interests.
Chapter 10: Achieving Permanency Goal Custody Transfer to Relatives (PDF - 1,011 KB)
Virginia Department of Social Services (2018)
In Child and Family Services Manual
Provides a framework for Virginia social services agencies to guide decision-making regarding establishing permanency for youth in foster care by transferring custody to a relative.
The Child Welfare Placement Continuum: What's Best for Children?
National Conference of State Legislatures (2016)
Describes types of placements for foster children. The webpage explains why kinship care is often the least restrictive, most family-like environment available and, therefore, the most preferred.
Families Found Faster
Connect Our Kids
Points professionals to technology, including free software, to help identify and connect with extended family to support child stability and create broader networks for those in foster care.
How Can We Ensure a Child’s First Placement Is With Family?
Casey Family Programs (2018)
Explains how child protection agencies have developed strategies to overcome barriers and secure stable placements with families.
How Can We Improve Placement Stability for Children in Foster Care?
Casey Family Programs (2018)
Discusses the importance of stability and the challenges that prevent it. The report highlights promising approaches to improve the decision-making process and promote placement stability.
| Series Title | State Statutes |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 755KB) |
| Year Published | 2018 |