Resources for Kinship Foster Caregivers

If you are an adult relative or person who has a significant relationship with a child and the Department of Child Safety (DCS) has placed the child in your home, you are a kinship caregiver. There are over 4,000 kinship caregivers in Arizona just like you. We appreciate your commitment and want to ensure you are aware of the resources and supports available to you as the kinship caregiver.

There is a team of professionals here to support you

If you live or are able to be in the Maricopa County or Pima County area, you are invited to attend a Kinship Information Session and hear about supports you can receive directly from DCS, attorneys, DES, and a licensing agency. To find the dates, times, and location, please call (520) 323-4476 for Pima County or (480) 748-9269 for Maricopa County.

As a kinship caregiver, you may be facing some financial challenges and uncertainty. The list below provides information on DCS financial supports to help offset some of the cost of caring for your loved ones. In addition, there is a list of non-financial supports to help with other aspects of navigating what it means to be a kinship caregiver.

Financial Support

• Apply for Child-Only Cash Assistance (TANF) with the help of your DCS Specialist.
• You will receive monthly reimbursement from DCS. At the end of each month, you will confirm the number of days the child was in your home for that month. You can confirm online or on the billing statement mailed to your home. The reimbursement includes:
  • personal and clothing allowances;
  • diaper allowance (if applicable); and
  • the Kinship Stipend.
• Liability coverage for caregivers while caring for a child or youth in foster care may be available in certain instances. Learn more by reviewing the Provider Indemnity Program Brochure and the Provider Property Damage Claim Form.
• The Department helps provide for the health needs of children and youth in foster care through the Mercy Care DCS Comprehensive Health Plan, State of Arizona funding or an alternative health plan.

Non-Financial Supports

• Call the DCS Warm Line at 1-877-KIDSNEEDU, Option 3, with any general questions about kinship care.
• The Kinship Foster Care: Relatives Caring for Children in DCS Custody Booklet discusses foster care, kinship care, DCS involvement, services and supports.
• The Go-To-Guide: A Guide for Foster and Kinship Caregivers discusses DCS involvement, kinship parenting, shared parenting, health care, education, legal supports, and more.
• Search for a childcare facility near you at Child Care Resources and Referral.
• Every kinship care provider receives 144 hours of respite care per fiscal year. Your DCS Specialist can help arrange respite for you.
• Sign up for the AZ Thrive Newsletter for the most up to date information on services and supports.
• Contact the School Foster Care Liaisons for help navigating the education system.
• Kinship Caregivers Resources List proves additional community based supports.

Consider Becoming a LIcensed Foster Parent

Becoming a licensed foster parent specifically for the children in your care is an option that can offer additional supports. As a licensed foster home you would be subject to the same licensing standards as regular foster homes; however, some non-safety related requirements may be waived in order to promote kinship licensure. For more information about licensure contact the Home Recruitment Response Specialist at 1-877-543-7633, option 1 or visit the Foster Care Licensing page.

Additional Resources

Have you been feeling like it would be nice to talk with someone who has also gone through this process, attend a trauma informed training, or receive support from a community agency as you navigate the child welfare system? Click on your region’s tab below for a list of community agencies here to support you.