Resources & Support
Essential resources, forms, and information for foster parents, kinship caregivers, and families
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Kinship Care Resources
Kinship care is an alternate living arrangement for a child who cannot remain at home. The child may live with a relative through blood or marriage or with an unrelated person who has a close, supportive relationship with the child (kin).
Kinship care plays an important role in helping a child through a difficult time. To become an approved caregiver, the friend or relative must participate in a home study. Erie County Children Services will provide support to help the caregiver meet the needs of the child. We will also work to make the transition as smooth as possible. Financial assistance may be available through Kinship Permanency Incentive program. Application must be made and eligibility will be determined by this agency in accordance with state regulations and requirements.
Information for Grandparents
Are you a grandparent caring for your grandchild in Ohio, but you can't make vital decisions for your grandchild because you don't have legal custody? A new law may allow you to make these decisions without requiring a custody transfer through the court system.
If you are currently caring for one or more grandchildren because the child's parent cannot, your grandchild's parents can grant you Power of Attorney.
Power of Attorney
This will allow you to:
- •Arrange for the child's routine and emergency medical, dental and psychological treatment
- •Authorize your grandchild's enrollment in school
- •Access information regarding their education
- •Provide consent for educational activities
To obtain Power of Attorney:
- Access the form at www.pcsao.org
- Understand and agree to the terms
- Get signatures from parent, yourself, and notary
- File with local juvenile court within 5 days
Caretaker Authorization Affidavit
If you cannot locate the child's parent, you may obtain a Caretaker Authorization Affidavit.
This provides the same authorizations as above.
To obtain Caretaker Authorization:
- Access the form at www.pcsao.org
- Understand and agree to the terms
- Provide your signature and notary signature
- File with local juvenile court within 5 days
Kinship Care Resources
Forms and resources
Statewide support network
Need More Information? For questions about Kinship care, contact us at (419) 627-4485
Guardianship Documents
Child Care & Community Support
Child Care Information
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services offers online applications for child care benefits through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal.
Apply for child care benefits online