Comparing Permanency Options for Children
The following is a comparison of adoption, legal guardianship with a relative and legal guardianship with a non-relative, and extended foster care for children
NOTE: Reunification of the child/youth and family is optimum if it serves the best interest of the child/youth.
Child is legally part of the family with emotional and relational permanency. Child has financial rights as part of inheritance and benefits. Adoptive Parent has made commitment.
Child is under the care of the Legal Guardian w/o court supervision. Legal Guardian has assumed responsibility to make most decisions over child’s life, including the planning for child’s future.
Child is under the care of the Legal Guardian w/o court supervision. Legal Guardian has assumed responsibility to make most decisions over the child’s life, including planning for child’s future.
Any youth with a permanent plan of adoption or Legal Guardian/KinGap on or after their 16th birthday will be eligible for extended benefits if they meet criterion.
Youth may opt for extended Foster Care until 21 years.
Non-minor dependent may opt for adult adoption on or after their 18th birthday***
Adoption Assistance Program, negotiated based on a child’s needs, no higher than foster care rate.
Kin-GAP matches the state foster care rates.
Non-related legal guardian based on county of residence; San Francisco uses foster care rate. N/A outside of CA.
Foster Care / Adoption Assistance Program or KinGap benefits continue depending on plan.
Based on what Special Care Increments child would have received if remained in foster care. Check with Eligibility Worker
Matches Special Care Increments rate in last month of foster care, based on county of residence, rate locked in.
Yes, based on county of residence.
Yes, rate based on county of residence.
No.
Yes or no, availability and rate based on county residence and reg.
Yes or no, availability and rate based on county of residence and reg.
Yes or no, availability and rate based on county of residence and reg.
No, once adoption is finalized. Adoptive parent can request childcare through their county network. In San Francisco through Childcare Eligibility List.
Yes, at this time.
Yes, at this time.
N/A
Yes, if child was in foster care or Kin-Gap 16-18.
Yes, if child was in foster care or Kin-GAP 16-18.
Yes, if child was in foster care 16-18.
Yes.
Generally no, youth needs to have emancipated from foster care and be 18-24.
Generally no, youth needs to have emancipated from foster care and be 18-24.
Generally no, youth needs to have emancipated from foster care and be 18-24.
Yes for youth under extended foster care.
Yes, if youth was in foster care age 16-18****
Yes, if youth was in foster care age 16-18.
Yes, if youth was in foster care age 16-18.
Yes.
Yes, including Adoption Assistance Program social worker, referral and resources, Wraparound support services, residential treatment.
Kinship Services through contracted agency; Wraparound support services may be available post KinGap; mental health
Depends on county of residence; Ongoing basic case management depending on county; Wraparound support services; mental health
Ongoing case management.
- All caregivers, relative or non-relative will fall under KinGap and not Non-related legal guardian status (ACL….) Criterion: Caregiver has relationship with child; child is Title IV E (federal) eligible.
- Permanent caregivers may be eligible for child care outside of Foster Child Care. San Francisco is one of only two counties in CA that has a separate childcare program post dismissal. Most caregivers in the state apply for childcare from the county with a letter regarding child welfare priority.
Pending policies may impact these benefits. Protective Services Worker should contact Children’s Council directly to discuss specific case. - Non-minor dependent adult adoption on or after 18th birthday. Adoptions worker as secondary responsible for completing Non-minor dependent adoption assessment and APA paperwork.
- Chafee Foster Care Independence Program application does not require household income when youth has been in foster care on or after their 13th birthday.
San Francisco Foster Care 5/16