Is there financial assistance available if I am caring for a relative child?

The Kinship provider can apply for medical assistance for the child and may be eligible for daycare assistance. Eligibility for these programs is determined by the Economic Support Program. To apply call Eau Claire County Economic Support at (715) 839-2300.  If you are approved, but are put on the Kinship Care waitlist, the medical assistance for the child(ren) and the daycare assistance can still be applied for the child(ren).

**(Note:If a Kinship provider does not live in Eau Claire County, then he/she must apply for medical assistance and daycare assistance for the child(ren) through Economic Support of the county in which the Kinship provider resides in.)**

**(Also Note: Children who are placed with a relative under a Juvenile Court Order are automatically given open MA—Title 19 when their court ordered placement is entered into the State database by our fiscal staff.)**

How often will I have contact with a Social Worker if I am receiving the Kinship Care Grant?

Kinship care cases are reviewed one time per year to ensure that the relative continues to meet eligibility requirements. If there are concerns about the stability of the living arrangements, the social worker may have more frequent contact. Children who are placed with relatives under a Juvenile Court order will also have a social worker (from the child protection unit or juvenile justice unit) who will monitor the placement on a consistent basis. Social workers will be expected to visit with the child on a monthly basis.

Kinship Care may be denied if:

• The child receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• The natural parent resides in the relative provider’s home
• The criminal background checks do not meet state requirements
• The child resides with someone not identified as a legal relative
• The jurisdictional and need criteria are not met as defined by Wisconsin State Statutes.
• If the relative (or other adults living in the home) have a significant Child Protective Services history

What if I am denied Kinship Care?

Eau Claire County will mail you a formal letter advising you of the Kinship Care denial.  The letter will provide you with the reason for the denial and indicate how you may appeal the denial decision.  Once our Department receives your request for an appeal, a further review will be conducted to make a final determination of whether the Kinship denial will remain in place or if the Kinship Care will be approved.