When the state takes custody of children due to abuse or neglect, they need a loving family. Kinship caregivers are relatives or friends, and often one of the best options for children until they can safely return home.

Children in care receive Medicaid to cover their healthcare expenses, and kinship caregivers can receive a stipend for up to 12 months if they meet specific income guidelines. Still, these resources only address a small portion of the needs that many kinship caregivers encounter.

Texas kinship caregivers can become verified (also known as licensed) for foster care. When they complete this process, the children's kinship placement is changed to a foster care placement, and the caregivers begin receiving at least double the time-limited kinship amount. These funds continue as long as the child stays with the family for verified foster care. The support is not dependent on the family's income and is not taxed. Caring for children is costly, and this reimbursement helps families provide the stable, loving care children need.

PCHAS assigns a case manager to each kinship family to assist with the licensing process and advocate for them in decisions and court proceedings. PCHAS can help kinship families access resources and solutions to complete the licensing process, too.

Children in kinship care have experienced trauma due to abuse or neglect. PCHAS staff offer kinship families specialized support and training to help guide children toward healing.

If children cannot return home, PCHAS supports kinship families as they navigate the process for legal permanency, helping them understand their options (Adoption or Permanent Managing Conservatorship) and advocate for what’s in the best interest of the children.

Kinship Families who complete the steps to achieve legal permanency for children qualify to receive Post Adoption or Post Permanency Services. These support services help families find resources and assistance as they navigate the lifelong journey as a family.

Kinship Families Who Adopt

• May negotiate an adoption subsidy package based on the children’s needs when they adopt children who are:
  
  
  • Age 6 or older
  
  
  • Age 2 or older of a minority race
  
  
  • Adopted together with at least one sibling
  
  
  • Diagnosed with a lifelong disabling condition


• This benefits package continues until the child turns 18 years old and can include a monthly stipend, Medicaid coverage, one-time adoption-related expenses (like attorney and court fees), and/or a tuition waiver for state-supported colleges or universities.

Kinship Families Obtaining Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC)

• Qualify for Permanency Care Assistance (PCA) if they become verified as foster parents and care for the child as foster parents for at least six months (in addition to time served as a kinship caregiver).


• Benefits include a monthly stipend, Medicaid coverage, one-time permanency-related expenses, and/or a tuition waiver for state-supported colleges or universities.

If you’re a kinship caregiver, we know you stepped up because you’re willing to do anything to protect the children you care about. We admire your strength and want to ensure that you have access to the support and resources needed to help your family thrive. Connect with a Foster Care & Adoption Guide for more info.