(Revision. 3/1/14)
42 U.S.C. 675(5)(C) State Plan for Foster Care and Adoption Assistance (Title IV-E)
To provide clarification about Permanent Placement with a Fit and Willing Relative as a permanency goal of for a child in the custody of Office of Children’s Services (OCS).
The Title IV-E agency is not required to document to the court a compelling reason for a permanency goal of Reunification, adoption, legal guardianship, or permanent placement with a fit and willing relative.
The goal of permanent placement with a fit and willing relative is only applicable to youth age 16 and older. This goal is appropriate for youth age 16 and older who will not be reunified, adopted, or placed in a guardianship. This is a preferred goal over APPLA.
The goal of permanent placement with a fit and willing relative cannot be a primary or secondary goal without first completing an administrative review.
When placement with fit and willing relative is made the permanency goal for a youth, the intent must be that the youth remain in OCS custody until the age of majority.
An approved relative home study is required.
In the context of this section, “relative” means an individual who is related to the youth by blood, adoption, marriage, or Tribal custom.