Kin Caregiver Licensing Process
Relative and non-relative caregivers who opt to participate in the Kin Caregiver program will work with a PSF Licensing Specialist throughout the licensing process. The Licensing Specialist will make at least two visits with caregivers to update their home study, provide educational support, explain program requirements and benefits, and assist the caregiver in completing the necessary steps to become licensed.
Benefits of Kin Care licensing:
Once a family completes the Level 1 Licensing process, they become an official Kin Caregiver eligible for the following benefits:
- Access to beneficial educational support
- Connections to community resources
- Monthly stipend of $333 until the child reaches 18 or the case closes
Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP)
When reunification with a child’s biological parents is not possible, the court may determine that adoption is the most appropriate goal for the child and you will be given the opportunity to apply to adopt the child after the rights of the parents are terminated.
Other times, the court may determine that permanent guardianship is the most appropriate goal. Serving as a Level 1 licensed Kin Caregiver for six consecutive months will enable you to complete a Guardianship Assistance Agreement (GAA) if you become the child’s permanent guardian. In doing so, you may qualify the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) upon case closure.
If the child in your home is 16 or older when you become the permanent guardian and you complete the GAA, you will also be able to opt into the Extended Guardianship Assistance Program (EGAP), which will continue the stipend until the youth turns 21, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
Contact
For questions or more information about the Kin Caregiver Program, please contact Jasma Neal, Level 1 Licensing Supervisor, at jasma.neal@pfsf.org or 352-317-9093.
For questions or more information about the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP), please contact Ashley Brown, Kinship Care Coordinator, at ashley.brown@pfsf.org or 352-463-3110, x2322.
