September 1996

Cover

 
  • Kinship Caregiving: Law and Policy

    Kinship caregiving, the provision of residential care and support to a child by someone other than the child's parents, involves many issues and requires practitioners to be knowledgeable about several areas of law. This article describes the types of legal relationships available to kinship caregivers and their kin and the consequences of each type with respect to public benefits and foster care.

    By Laurie Hanson and Irene Opsahl

  • The Application of the Indian Child Welfare Act to Grandparent Custody Actions

    Attorneys who initiate actions on behalf of Indian children's grandparents must be aware of the possible application of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). This article describes how the ICWA interacts with state family law.

    By Michelle Monteiro and Mark Fiddler

  • Welcome to Procrustes' House: Welfare Reform and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

    Recently enacted federal welfare reform legislation will make it more difficult for grandparents to obtain public benefits on behalf of the grandchildren in their care. This article addresses some of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act's provisions that are likely to have significant consequences for grandparents raising grandchildren.

    By Faith Mullen

  • State Initiatives Slowly Respond to Kinship Care

    Standby guardianships and subsidized guardianships can help grandparent caregivers meet the needs of grandchildren in their care. This article discusses some state legislative provisions for these guardianship options as well as medical consent legislation.

    By River Ginchild and Melinda Perez-Porter