I’ve Identified a Potential Kinship Caregiver. What Happens Next?

Finding a relative or trusted adult who wants to step forward can change the direction of a child’s placement.

Virginia law now makes that priority explicit. When placing a child, the local board must first consider placement with a kinship foster parent. Relative searches are required when the child enters foster care, at least annually, and before later placement changes. The question after identification is not simply, “Will they take the child?” It is, “Can we turn this relationship into a safe, supported, and sustainable placement?”

Make the first conversation useful

Tell the caregiver what is being asked of them today, not everything that could happen over the next two years. Explain the child’s immediate needs, the proposed placement route, the checks that come first, and the next decision point. Then ask what worries them. A relative may say yes while privately panicking about work, space, money, or family conflict.

Use the current kinship pathway

Virginia’s regulations allow temporary kinship waivers of specified approval requirements for up to 6 months, and permanent waivers for certain home standards that protect safety and proper care. The purpose is not to dilute standards. It is to prevent non-safety requirements from unnecessarily blocking an appropriate family placement. Follow current VDSS guidance and local procedure for the case in front of you.

Prepare for the relationship dynamics

A kinship caregiver does not arrive as a blank-slate foster parent. They already know the child. They also know the parents, grandparents, siblings, and family history. That can strengthen placement and complicate it at the same time. Explore boundaries, reunification, contact, and family loyalties early.

Bring in foster parent support

ESP works alongside Virginia child welfare professionals by supporting foster and resource families. Our team provides preparation, resource-family casework, training, and 24/7 support to families in our network. The worker retains the child welfare case and statutory responsibilities. ESP helps strengthen the caregiver in that work.

Where Extra Special Parents FIT

When you identify kin, do not leave the family alone with a packet and a deadline. Give them a clear next step, identify barriers early, and build support for the relationship you are trying to preserve.