Before you decide to become a kinship caregiver, there are many questions you need to ask yourself:

• What is my relationship with the child’s parents/guardians?

• Will I have family support?

• How will this impact my own children and spouse?

• Do I understand the circumstances surrounding this child’s removal?

• How do I feel about those circumstances?

• How will this affect my relationship with the child’s parents/guardian and the extended family?

• Will I be able to set limits with the parents/guardians?

• Will I be able to let this child go back home when the time comes?

• Will I be able to offer this child a permanent home if necessary?

• Can I commit the time and energy toward the goal for this child to have a permanent home?

• Will I need financial assistance?

• Will I receive assistance to meet the medical, dental or emotional health needs of this child?


Once you have addressed these questions and provided yourself with honest answers about your situation and feelings, you will know if you are able to best serve the needs of the child. How you answer some of these questions may also help you determine if taking legal custody and guardianship yourself or becoming a licensed kinship foster parent is right for you.