Kinship Care in Washington State: How Relatives Can Care for Children in CPS Cases

By Chris Torrone, Founding Attorney, Melvin & Torrone, PLLP

When Child Protective Services removes a child from their home, Washington State law requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to prioritize kinship care - placing that child with relatives or close family friends instead of strangers in the foster care system. I’ve spent over 20 years helping families in Pierce County keep children connected to their loved ones through kinship placement, and I can tell you this matters more than most people realize.

Kinship caregivers give children stability, preserve family bonds, and often provide a faster path to reunification. But the licensing process, background checks, and legal requirements can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.

Torrone’s Takeaways

• Washington law requires DCYF to prioritize kinship care over placing children with strangers in foster care

• Licensed kinship caregivers receive the same monthly payments as foster parents, plus up to $1,500 annually through support programs

• You can get an expedited initial license within two weeks under 2025 kinship standards to start receiving financial support immediately

• Contact the caseworker within 24 hours of learning about a CPS case to prevent your family member from being placed with foster caregivers

• Kinship placement dramatically improves reunification chances compared to traditional foster care because relatives support parent-child relationships

• Guardianship preserves parents’ rights while giving relatives legal custody, but adoption permanently transfers all parental authority

• Kinship Navigators in Pierce County connect you to free resources, legal help, and public benefits you might not know exist

Table of Contents

• Torrone’s Takeaways
• DCYF Wants Your Family Member to Raise Your Child Instead of Strangers
• Who Can Become a Kinship Caregiver in Pierce County
• Getting Licensed as a Kinship Caregiver Under Washington’s New 2025 Standards
• How Much Financial Support Kinship Caregivers Actually Receive
• What Parents Need to Know About Kinship Care Placement Decisions
• Guardianship vs. Adoption When Relatives Want Permanent Placement
• Melvin & Torrone Helps Families Stay Together Through Kinship Care in Washington State
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

DCYF Wants Your Family Member to Raise Your Child Instead of Strangers

Washington’s Legal Preference for Kinship Placement Under RCW 13.34.065

Washington State law actually mandates that the Department of Children, Youth, and Families prioritize placing children with relatives before considering foster parents. RCW 13.34.065 requires social workers to search for suitable family members first. This isn’t just a suggestion - it’s a legal requirement designed to keep families together whenever possible.

Children Benefit When They Stay Connected to Family

Children in kinship care experience less trauma than those placed with strangers in the foster care system. They maintain relationships with siblings, attend the same schools, and preserve their cultural and family identity. Research shows kinship kids have better mental health outcomes and higher placement stability than foster kids living with non-relatives.

The Difference Between Licensed and Unlicensed Kinship Care

Licensed kinship caregivers complete the foster home licensing process, pass background checks, and receive monthly foster care payments for the child’s care. Unlicensed relatives can still provide temporary care during DCYF investigations but won’t receive financial support until they obtain licensure. A grandmother in Tacoma took her three grandchildren on an emergency basis in 2023, caring for them without payment for two months while navigating the licensing requirements. We helped her expedite the process so she could access the support she desperately needed.

Who Can Become a Kinship Caregiver in Pierce County

Blood Relatives, Step-Relatives, and Extended Family Members

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings, and cousins all qualify as kinship caregivers under Washington State law. Step-relatives count too, even if the biological parent’s marriage has ended. DCYF considers anyone related by blood, marriage, or adoption as a potential kinship placement before turning to the foster care system.

”Suitable Others” Who Qualify as Close Family Friends

You don’t need to share DNA to become a kinship caregiver. DCYF recognizes “suitable others” who have an established, significant relationship with the child - godparents, neighbors who’ve known the family for years, or close family friends. A Lakewood woman in her early fifties successfully gained placement of her best friend’s two daughters in 2024 after demonstrating she’d been a consistent presence in their lives since birth, attending birthdays and providing childcare for over seven years.

What Age and Background Requirements You Must Meet

You must be at least 21 years old and pass a criminal background check to become a kinship caregiver. Child Welfare Services will review any criminal history, but not all convictions disqualify you. We often see relatives concerned about old misdemeanors or financial issues, but DCYF evaluates each situation individually based on child safety.

Getting Licensed as a Kinship Caregiver Under Washington’s New 2025 Standards

The Initial License That Gets You Paid Within Two Weeks

Washington’s new 2025 kinship standards allow relatives to receive an expedited initial license within 14 days of placement. This gets you financial support fast - you won’t wait months to receive foster care payments. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families created this quick-start option specifically to help kinship caregivers cover immediate expenses like food, clothing, and school supplies.

Full Kinship License Requirements and the 90-Day Timeline

After your initial license, you have 90 days to complete the full foster home licensing process. This includes mandatory training, home safety inspections, and reference checks. An uncle in Puyallup who gained custody of his teenage nephew in early 2025 appreciated the flexibility - he could focus on helping his nephew adjust to the new living situation first, then tackle the training manual and additional requirements over the following three months without losing his monthly payments.

Background Checks, Home Studies, and Fingerprinting for Your Household

Every adult living in your home must complete fingerprinting and pass a criminal background check before you receive full licensure. DCYF will also conduct a home study to assess:

• Safe sleeping arrangements for the child

• Adequate food storage and kitchen facilities

• Working smoke detectors and fire safety measures

• Clean, hazard-free living spaces

The process feels invasive, but caseworkers genuinely want to approve your home. They’re looking for safety and stability, not perfection.

Table: Kinship Care Licensing Timeline in Washington State

Milestone	Timeline	What Happens	What You Need to Do
Initial Contact with DCYF	Day 1	Caseworker records your interest in kinship placement	Provide demographic information and relationship to child
Emergency Placement	Days 1-3	Child placed in your home temporarily	Complete emergency caregiver form and initial safety check
Expedited Initial License	Within 14 days	You qualify for foster care payments	Submit background check consent and household member info
Home Study Begins	Days 15-30	Social worker schedules home visit	Prepare bedrooms, install smoke detectors, complete safety checklist
Fingerprinting & Background Checks	Days 20-45	All household adults complete fingerprinting	Schedule FBI and state background checks at approved location
Training Requirements	Days 30-60	Complete mandatory kinship caregiver training	Attend classes (online or in-person), review training manual
Full Kinship License Approval	Within 90 days	You receive full foster care license	Maintain all requirements, attend ongoing training annually

How Much Financial Support Kinship Caregivers Actually Receive

Monthly Foster Care Payments for Licensed Kinship Caregivers

Licensed kinship caregivers receive the same monthly foster care payments as traditional foster parents - typically between $562 and $830 per child depending on age. Teenagers receive higher payments than younger children because their needs cost more. You’ll also get additional funds if the child has special medical or behavioral health needs that require extra support.

Kinship Caregiver Support Program Funds Up to $1,500 Per Year

The Kinship Caregiver Support Program provides up to $1,500 annually for expenses that foster care payments don’t cover. You can use these funds for:

• School supplies, uniforms, and extracurricular activity fees

• Bedroom furniture, car seats, and age-appropriate clothing

• Summer camps, tutoring, and educational programs

• Sports equipment, musical instruments, and hobby materials

A grandmother raising her two granddaughters in Spanaway used her 2024 allocation to cover volleyball registration fees and purchase bunk beds when the girls moved into her spare bedroom.

Additional Resources Through Kinship Navigators in Pierce County

Kinship Navigators connect you to public benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Children’s Health Coverage, and School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. These navigators work specifically with kinship families to help you access case management, support groups, and Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care services. They know the system inside out and can save you hours of frustration.

Table: Washington State Kinship Care Payment Breakdown

Payment Type	Amount	Who Qualifies	How Often
Basic Foster Care Payment (Ages 0-5)	$562-$650/month	Licensed kinship caregivers	Monthly
Basic Foster Care Payment (Ages 6-11)	$625-$720/month	Licensed kinship caregivers	Monthly
Basic Foster Care Payment (Ages 12-18)	$730-$830/month	Licensed kinship caregivers	Monthly
Kinship Caregiver Support Program	Up to $1,500/year	Licensed and unlicensed relatives	Annual allocation
Special Needs/Medical Care Supplement	Varies ($100-$500+/month)	Children with documented needs	Monthly (case-by-case)
Child Care Subsidy (Working Caregivers)	Varies by income	Licensed caregivers who work	Monthly
Back-to-School Clothing Allowance	$150-$200/child	Licensed kinship caregivers	Annually (August)

What Parents Need to Know About Kinship Care Placement Decisions

Can You Choose Which Relative Gets Your Children

You can absolutely express your preference for which family member should care for your children during a CPS case. DCYF considers your input seriously, especially if you can identify relatives early in the investigation. However, the final decision rests with Child Welfare Services based on the relative’s background check results, home assessment, and ability to meet the child’s needs safely.

Will Kinship Placement Help or Hurt Your Reunification Plan

Kinship placement almost always helps your reunification chances compared to traditional foster care. Your children maintain family connections, and kinship caregivers typically support your relationship with your kids rather than viewing you as a threat.

A young mother in her late twenties from Tacoma had her infant placed with her older sister in 2024 after testing positive for substances at birth. The sister attended every family team meeting, encouraged supervised visits, and actively supported the mother’s recovery program. The baby returned home within eight months - faster than most foster care reunifications we see.

How Parent Visitation Works When Your Child Lives With Family

Visitation schedules depend on your dependency court order and service plan requirements. Parents typically start with supervised visits, then progress to unsupervised time as they complete services. Kinship caregivers often allow more flexible visitation than foster parents because they:

• Understand your family dynamics and history

• Want to preserve the parent-child bond

• Can supervise visits themselves in familiar settings

• Support your path to getting your children back home

Your caseworker sets the official schedule, but many kinship families work cooperatively to maximize your time together.

Guardianship vs. Adoption When Relatives Want Permanent Placement

Temporary Kinship Care Through Dependency Court

Temporary kinship care lasts only as long as the dependency case remains open - typically 12 to 18 months. Your placement ends when the court either returns the child to their parents or establishes a permanent plan. This arrangement works well when reunification seems likely, but it leaves relatives without long-term legal authority over medical decisions, education, or travel permissions.

Guardianship That Keeps Parents’ Rights While Giving Relatives Custody

Minor guardianship gives relatives legal custody and decision-making power without terminating the parents’ rights permanently. Parents can still maintain relationships with their children and potentially regain custody later if circumstances improve. This option appeals to families who want stability for the child but hope the parent might get back on track someday. Guardianship can last until the child turns 18 or until a court modifies the order.

Adoption by Relatives and What It Means for Birth Parents

Adoption by relatives permanently transfers all parental rights from birth parents to the adopting family member. The biological parents lose legal standing - they can’t make decisions, and visitation isn’t guaranteed unless written into the adoption agreement.

An aunt in her mid-forties from Gig Harbor adopted her niece and nephew in 2023 after their mother’s rights were terminated following multiple failed reunification attempts. The King County Bar Association helped her access resources for legal disputes during the process. She maintains informal contact with the children’s mother at family gatherings, but legally, she holds all parental authority now.

Melvin & Torrone Helps Families Stay Together Through Kinship Care in Washington State

Our 96% Success Rate Getting Children Placed With Family in CPS Cases

We’ve spent decades fighting to keep Pierce County families together, and our track record speaks for itself. Our 96% success rate in CPS custody cases means we know exactly how to position relatives for placement approval and protect parents’ rights throughout dependency proceedings.

Legal Representation for Relatives Seeking Custody and Parents Advocating for Kinship Placement

We represent both sides of kinship cases because we believe families belong together. For relatives, we expedite your licensing process and handle legal disputes that arise during placement. For parents, we advocate for kinship placement in your service plan and protect your visitation rights.

Free Consultation to Protect Your Rights and Keep Your Family Together

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions about the kinship process, and create a plan to protect your family. You’re known by your name here, not a case number.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can kinship caregivers access the Washington State Kinship Navigator Program?

Yes, the Washington State Kinship Navigator Program offers free support to relatives raising children. Navigators help you access benefits and services, complete licensing requirements, and connect with the kinship community throughout Pierce County and Washington State.

2. Does DSHS provide financial assistance to kinship families?

The Department of Social and Health Services administers multiple programs that support kinship caregivers financially. You can access the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, plus other public benefits through DSHS to help cover your family’s basic needs.

3. Are there special kinship services for tribal communities?

Federally recognized tribes operate the Tribal Kinship Navigator Initiative, which provides culturally appropriate support for American Indian families. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe and other tribal communities offer kinship services that honor traditional family structures and address historical trauma from American Indian boarding schools.

4. How does the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network help caregivers?

The Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network connects you to support groups, educational resources, and advocacy services specifically designed for relatives raising children. They provide a resource library, host events during Kinship Care Month, and offer guidance on accessing Long-Term Services and Support for your family.

5. Can I get help if I’m raising a medically complex youth in kinship care?

Absolutely. Kinship caregivers raising medically complex youth or LGBTQ+ youth can access specialized case management and mental health services through the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Your kinship navigator will connect you to providers experienced in meeting these specific needs.

6. What support exists for Spanish-speaking kinship caregivers in Washington?

Washington State provides a Spanish-speaking Navigator through the Kinship Navigator Program to serve Latine communities. This navigator helps Spanish-speaking families access benefits, complete licensing paperwork, and connect with culturally responsive support groups in your language.

7. Does the Area Agency on Aging help kinship caregivers?

Yes, organizations like the Olympic Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Adult Care of Central Washington support older adults raising grandchildren or other relatives. They connect you to senior services, respite care, and age-appropriate resources through the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration.

8. Where can I find free legal help for kinship care issues?

Washington Law Help offers a comprehensive resource library with legal information for kinship families. You can also contact the Legal Advice and Referral for Kinship Care program for free consultations about custody, guardianship, or dependency court matters affecting your kinship placement.

9. How does Washington State ensure equity in kinship services?

The Department of Children, Youth and Families implements Pro-Active Equity Anti-Racism initiatives to ensure all kinship families receive fair treatment. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy monitors kinship programs through fidelity analysts who track demographic information to identify and address disparities in services.

10. Can former foster youth become kinship caregivers?

Yes, former foster youth who are now adults can become kinship caregivers if they meet age and background check requirements. Your experience in the foster care system often gives you unique insight into what children need, making you a strong advocate for your young relatives.

Conclusion

Kinship care keeps children safe with family instead of strangers, but the licensing process and legal requirements can feel overwhelming without experienced guidance. We’ve helped hundreds of Pierce County families through CPS cases with our 96% success rate because we fight tenaciously to keep families together. You don’t have to face DCYF alone or figure out complicated paperwork by yourself. Let us create a personalized plan to protect your rights, expedite your licensing, and get your family the support you deserve.

Book a free consultation today and let’s get your kinship placement approved.