View Research by Author - Amy Jantz

Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/AmyJantz

This study presents the findings of a 2001 survey of state kinship foster care policies, a follow-up to those conducted in 1997 and 1999. The results show that many states are continuing to offer kin leeway in, or alternatives to, the traditional foster care licensing process, yet simultaneously striving to meet the safety requirements of the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA). Almost all states give preference to kin over non-kin foster parents, although states differ in how they assess and support kinship care families. Many states have instituted a stricter policy since the implementation of the ASFA final rule, and there are many kin caring for children in foster care who are not eligible to receive foster care payments.

Researchers asked child welfare administrators in all 50 states and DC how much they spent on child welfare programs in state fiscal year (SFY) 2000, how they spent the money, and where the money came from. States spent at least $20 billion on child welfare service in SFY 2000, a 20 percent increase from SFY 1998. The federal share of total spending increased to 49 percent from 45 percent in SFY 1998. Spurred by the Adoption and Safe Families Act, spending on adoptions, other services, and administration increased. Reliance on nondedicated federal funds (TANF, SSBG, and Medicaid) continued. State administrators expressed concern that budget deficits and declines in TANF funding for child welfare services since SFY 2000 may force cutbacks in an array of child welfare support services.

Based on a survey of state TANF directors in 41 states and DC, researchers conclude that the level of collaboration between TANF and child welfare agencies in many states is a great accomplishment when compared with the limited efforts before welfare reform. For instance, 31 state TANF agencies have provided either written or verbal guidance to local TANF agencies on coordinating TANF work plans with child welfare plans. Twenty of the TANF agencies surveyed have documented policies for sharing information with child welfare agencies; 13 states have colocated TANF and child welfare staff; and 25 created joint planning or steering committees. Addressing the needs of targeted populations -- relative caregivers, sanctioned clients, families approaching time limits, and victims of domestic violence -- has been the impetus for several unique programs described in the brief.

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