Child Welfare
Implementing Kin-Specific Licensing Standards in Foster Care
September 14, 2025 | NWI
Children placed with relatives and kin experience greater placement stability and well-being than those in regular foster care, yet many state licensing standards can create barriers to these placements. In response, a new federal rule from the Administration for Children and Families now allows Title IV-E agencies to create separate licensing or approval standards for kinship caregivers. These standards can reduce unnecessary barriers and support access to foster care maintenance payments that help families meet the unique demands of kinship care. Chapin Hall has created a phased framework to help agencies implement kin-specific licensing standards.