Children are in kinship care when they are temporarily unable to live safely with their parents. They live full-time with a relative or any non-relative who has a long-standing relationship with the child or family. Kinship care is the most desirable living arrangement for children who cannot safely live with their parents. It helps children preserve a sense of family and belonging. It can help children identify with their family’s culture and traditions. 

Types of Kinship Care

Kinship Care Fact Sheet

State Kinship Support Program (KSP) FAQ

If you are a kinship provider, we appreciate your dedication and assistance with keeping children safe. You have taken on a big responsibility and we are thankful. We also want to make sure you have the support you need. In most cases, the following financial support is available to kinship caregivers whether they have physical or legal custody:

Cash Assistance (Ohio Works First) 

Food Assistance 

Medicaid

Publicly-funded Child Care 

Kinship Child Care 

SSI or Social Security

Kinship Permanency Incentive 

 

Families who need to apply for assistance due to child placements may:

  • Click on one of the links above.
  • Access an application at HCJFS.org
  • Call 946-1000 to request an application be mailed.
  • Mail or fax (513‑946-1076) the completed application to the agency. (Local libraries are available to fax applications and verifications to the agency.)

If you have additional questions about kinship care, please click here to check the answers to frequently asked questions. Thank you for your support of Hamilton County’s families and children.