Kinship Care

Kinship Care is a financial assistance program that supports relatives who are caring for minor children due to concerns of abuse, neglect, or other safety risks in the child’s parental home. The program helps ensure that children can remain with family members in a safe and stable environment rather than entering foster care.

Kinship Care is connected to the Foster Care Program, as both programs provide essential support for children who cannot safely live with their parents. However, Kinship Care allows children to remain with relatives while still receiving financial and case management assistance


To qualify for Kinship Care, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • The caregiver must be related to the child.
  • Everyone in the household must pass a criminal background check.
  • The child must be living with the caregiver due to concerns for their safety and well-being.

A home assessment and eligibility review are required before benefits are approved.

For more information, please visit: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/kinship