There are resources available to help caregivers with the needs of children in their care. You can find a list HERE
Children placed in out of home care through Department of Children and Families may be eligible for some financial support through various programs such as:
The Relative Caregiver Program, The Non-Relative Caregiver Program and Kinship Licensing.
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.
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 board rate until the child reaches 18 or the case closes
Relative and Non-Relative Caregiver Programs
Relative Caregiver Program is offered through the Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency, ACCESS program. *Florida resident requirement. Children placed with Relatives (within specified degree) in a legal status of Adjudicated Dependent may be eligible for cash assistance. Participants can continue to receive benefits if the child is placed in Permanent Guardianship after the case is closed to Protective Supervision. Periodic recertification is required. Non-Relative Caregiver Program is offered through the Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency, Headquarters. *Florida resident requirement. Children placed with Non-Relatives in a legal status of Adjudicated Dependent may be eligible for cash assistance. Participants can continue to receive benefits if the child is placed in Permanent Guardianship and the case is closed to Protective Supervision. Annual recertification is required.
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.
