Prioritizing Family Connections to Promote Well-being
At Wellpoint Care Network, we know that children do their best when they remain around the people and places they know best. Kinship Care allows families to maintain a sense of stability while navigating stressful times, without any involvement from Children’s Court or the Child Welfare system.
Milwaukee County’s Kinship Care program is specifically designed to provide financial support for minor children living with a relative or like-kin caregiver outside their own home — whether temporarily or long-term. The goal is to support safe, stable and nurturing care to promote each child’s emotional, educational and developmental well-being.
Kinship Care Requirements
There are three basic eligibility requirements for Kinship Care:
- The child(ren) currently meet the requirements to be in need of protection or services — or might if they were to remain with their parent(s)
- The basic needs of the child(ren) can be better met with the caregiver than with the parent
- The placement is in the best interests of the child
Other requirements include:
- Cooperation with the agency
- Cooperation in referring the parents to child support (unless granted an exemption)
- Annual review of Kinship living arrangements and eligibility
- Application for other public assistance or benefits for which the child(ren) might be eligible
- A criminal background check on the caregiver and all adult household members
We’re Here Whenever You’re Ready
Whether you’re just thinking about caring for a loved one or ready to apply, you probably have questions about the process. We’re happy to help. You can reach out to us directly using one of the below options based on your comfort and preference:
Speak directly with a helpful representative
Have a representative reach out to you
A member of our staff will be in touch by your preferred method of communication.
Did You Know?
For every child being raised by relatives WITHIN THE foster care SYSTEM, 19 MORE CHILDREN are BEING raised
by kin outside OF IT — usually without the resources that come with formal foster care placements.
VOLUNTARY AND LONG-TERM KINSHIP CARE PROGRAMS HELP FILL THIS GAP.
The Importance of Kinship Care
At Wellpoint Care Network, we know the value of kinship care. When out-of-home placements are required, we prioritize kinship placements whenever possible, and aim to place a minimum of 40% of children in kinship homes.
Additional Resources for Wisconsin Kinship Caregivers
Here are some links that may be helpful for additional resources:
- Food Share Wisconsin is a program that helps low-income families and individuals buy nutritious food.
- Medicaid Coverage or Medical Assistance may be available for you or the child you are caring for.
- Wisconsin Works provides employment preparation services, case management, and cash assistance to eligible families.
- Child Support helps parents get court orders for financial and medical support for their children.
- Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program can provide additional resources.
- The Kinship Navigator Portal assists caregivers in navigating the Child Welfare system and locating important resources.
- Generations United published this report on the impact of “Grandfamilies” and other Kinship Care.
Ready to Learn More?
Having reliable financial support allows kin and like-kin caregivers to focus on what matters most: helping the children in their care heal and thrive. Ready for the next steps? Contact Us to receive more information.