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CHILDREN SERVICES Kinship families can be relatives or non-relatives of a family or child that has a familiar and longstanding relationship and bond with the child. Kinship families are typically suggested by the birth parents when it is determined that the child(ren) must be placed in out of home care. Some kinship families contact the agency after they find out that a child they have a close relationship with has been placed in a foster home. Kinship homes are intended to be safe, temporary homes for abused, neglected, or dependent children; however, there are some circumstances that cannot be sufficiently resolved in order to appropriately safeguard children in their birth homes. In these instances, a permanent resolution must be considered in order to best meet the children's needs. Kinship families can work similar to foster care or, in some situations, adoption. When a child's situation is determined to need a permanent solution, the home assessment may model the procedures for adoption; however, all of the requirements may not be requested form a Kinship family. Please refer to the Adoption Page of this web site for more information regarding home assessment criteria and procedures. Kinship families need to be willing to work with the agency case workers, the birth family, and area service providers, as well as the children involved. The family must be supportive of case plan goals and objectives and be an active participant in the case. Kinship families may petition the court for legal custody of the child or to adopt the child. Kinship Homes | Adoptive Homes Washington County Children Services ©2006 Washington County |