December 1, 2008

Having a Voice and a Choice: New York State Handbook for Relatives Raising Children

Written by Rebecca McBride, this federally funded handbook for relative caregivers resulted from efforts of an interagency workgroup of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). Following information on common abbreviations and the role of different State government agencies, Chapter 1 discusses reasons a child comes into a relative's care, pathways to relative care, the responsibilities of the Department of Social Services, and the importance of keeping track of documents. Chapter 2 reviews the legal choices relative caregivers have for providing care to a child, including providing informal care, direct placement, legal custody or guardianship, kinship foster care, and adoption. Chapters 3 and 4 explain the types of financial resources that are available to relative caregivers, tax benefits, and health care coverage. The final chapter emphasizes the need for caregivers to be involved in the child's education and explains the availability and eligibility requirements for special education services and the process for accessing services. A form for designating a parental relationship to a child is included, as well as a form for allowing relative caregivers to make educational and medical decisions for a child and a list of additional State and national resources.