Michigan Is First In Nation To Implement New Federal Option For Maintenance Support Payments To Kinship Caregivers

Michigan will become the first state in the country to acknowledge kinship caregivers with the same level of financial assistance as other foster care providers but simpler licensing standards. On March 28, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced approval for the state’s implementation of separate licensing standards for kin caregivers. The goal is to allow families to stay together and increase equity in the child welfare system.

Kinship caregivers are extended family members such as grandparents, friends of family, and multiple generations of people taking care of loved ones they did not birth . . .