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

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

Texas Kinship Caregivers have the opportunity to become verified (also known as licensed) for foster care. If kinship caregivers choose to complete the steps to become verified with PCHAS, their resources increase significantly. 

• Kinship families who foster through PCHAS will receive almost $500 more each month to help offset the cost of caring for children. 
• PCHAS assigns each kinship family a case manager to help with the licensing process and advocate for them in decisions and court proceedings. 
• PCHAS can sometimes offer kinship families financial assistance to complete the licensing process. 
• Children in kinship care have experienced trauma due to abuse or neglect. PCHAS staff offer kinship families specialized support and services to help guide children toward healing. 
• If children cannot return home, PCHAS can help kinship families obtain legal permanency through Adoption or Permanent Managing Conservatorship and support for the kids until adulthood. 

If you’re a kinship caregiver, we know you stepped up for kids you love because you’ll do anything to protect your family. We’ll ensure you have access to support and resources to help your family thrive. Connect with a Foster Care & Adoption Guide for more info.