For Immediate Release
Contact: Steven W. Johnston or
              Sheila McCant
LA House of Representatives
Office of Public Information
Phone: (225) 342-9795
FAX: (225) 219-4380

or

Judy Wright
LA Department of Social Services
Phone:    (225) 342-6729
Fax:        (225) 342-4888

February 29, 2000

WESTON BROOME AND DSS ANNOUNCE KINSHIP CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM; DIVERTING ENTRY OF CHILDREN INTO FOSTER CARE

    The Department of Social Services (DSS,) Office of Family Support will begin implementing Louisiana's new Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) on March 1. The program, brought about by House Bill 1901 of the 1999 regular session of the Legislature by state Rep. Sharon Weston Broome, will provide $172 per month for each eligible child who resides with a qualified relative other than a parent. Qualified relatives include grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, first-cousins, nieces, or nephews.

    "I filed this legislation in response to the many children in our state who are living with grandparents or relatives other than their parents," said Weston-Broome. "Many of these care givers can scarcely afford to take a child in, but must do so in the best interest of the child. This program will help to offset some of the many expenses of child care. I am proud to share in this victory on behalf of Louisiana's families and precious children."

    Requirements for receiving the kinship care subsidy include the relative:

Having legal custody or guardianship of the child who is living in their home. Having an annual income less than 150 percent of the federal poverty threshold. Having neither of the child's living parents living in their home. Assigning to the state the rights to child support and cooperating with Support Enforcement Services to obtain child support. The child's income may not exceed $172 per month. Within the last year, has not been convicted or released from jail for possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance.

    DSS Secretary J. Renea Austin-Duffin said, "Our department is all too often faced with the placement of children in the foster care system. The KCSP will offer us another option to help preserve the family and will, in many cases, divert the placement of children into foster care."

    Also, the child must meet the requirements for the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program, which include school attendance and immunizations.

    The 150% level poverty guidelines for various family sizes follows:

Family Size	Max Monthly Income
1	$1044
2	1406
3	1769
4	2131
5	2494
6	2856
7	3219
8	3581

 

    "This is a great opportunity to utilize the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Block Grant Fund to encourage the maintenance of relationships between children and their relatives when the mother or the father are not the primary care-givers," said Office of Family Support Assistant Secretary Vera W. Blakes.

    Applications for assistance through the Kinship Care Subsidy Program may be made beginning March 1, 2000 at the Office of Family Support in the parish in which the family resides.

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