Grandparent and Kinship Placement Lawyer in Houston
When CPS removes a child, a grandparent, aunt, uncle or close family friend is often the best place for that child to land. Acting early gives you the best chance to be considered.
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Who Can Be a Kinship Caregiver
Texas uses the word kinship for relatives and for “fictive kin,” such as a godparent, family friend or teacher with a close bond to the child. Courts must consider relatives and close family friends before placing a child with strangers.
How Kinship Placement Works
- Tell the caseworker and the parent’s lawyer that you want to be considered. Do it as early as possible, ideally before the first hearing.
- CPS completes a home assessment, including background checks of adults in the home.
- You sign a caregiver agreement and start kinship caregiver training.
- The child is placed with you while the court case continues.
You can also stay involved without becoming the placement, by taking part in the child’s service planning as a supporter.
Two Ways to Care for the Child
- Kinship caregiver. You care for the child after an approved home assessment. This is usually the fastest route.
- Verified kinship foster home. You go through foster home verification under kinship standards. This takes longer but brings more financial support and can lead to Permanency Care Assistance.
Financial Support for Kinship Families
DFPS lists several kinds of help. Eligibility rules apply, and your kinship worker handles requests.
- Monthly reimbursement of half the foster care rate for eligible caregivers, including a family income limit of 300% of the federal poverty level
- One-time placement help with the costs of taking in a child
- Reimbursement for some costs of becoming a verified kinship foster home
- Permanency Care Assistance for verified kinship foster parents who care for the child for at least six consecutive months, sign an agreement, and then become the child’s permanent managing conservator
Long-Term Legal Options
If the child cannot safely return to a parent, a relative may become the child’s permanent managing conservator or adopt the child. Each option carries different rights, duties and benefits, so the choice should be made with a lawyer before the court’s final order. See our adoption page.
How We Help
We help you get considered early, prepare you for the home assessment, speak for your role in court, and explain the long-term options and their benefits. Meet Bobbie Young, who leads our Child Welfare practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can grandparents get custody of a child in a CPS case?
Yes. Courts must consider relatives and close family friends for placement, and a grandparent can be named the child’s conservator. Asking early gives you the best chance.
Do kinship caregivers get paid?
Eligible kinship caregivers may receive a monthly reimbursement of half the foster care rate, plus some one-time help. Verified kinship foster parents can qualify for more support.
Do I have to become a foster parent to care for my grandchild?
No. You can care for the child as a kinship caregiver after an approved home assessment. Becoming a verified kinship foster home is optional, but it is required for Permanency Care Assistance.
Step Forward for the Child in Your Family
Call 713-225-6200 or fill out the form to talk with our Child Welfare team.
Want to Care for a Grandchild or Relative in CPS Care?
Our Child Welfare team helps grandparents and relatives get considered early. Call us today at 713-225-6200 to schedule a confidential consultation.