Kinship Caregiver Resources

Resources to Help You Navigate Care for Children

Kinship Family Support Services can help you navigate:

• Financial resources
• Medical and mental health services
• School services and supports
• Other resources for kinship caregivers

Below are links and forms the families we serve often request.

Frequently Asked Questions

During our work with kinship caregivers - those caring for a relative or kin's child - we heard about the challenges they faced in finding access to clear and helpful information about their new role.  Here you will find links and information to some of the most frequently asked questions by kinship caregivers. 

View Kinship Caregiver Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Resources

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - Child Only Assistance

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offer benefits for children who are closely related to their caregiver, or the caregiver has custody or guardianship of the child.
MFIP Child Only Assistance Brochure

To Apply: Complete the Combined Application Form online or mail the printable application.

Printable application
Online application
County and Tribal Nations Offices

Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Administration may provide survivor benefits to grandparents who have adopted grandchildren, based on the child’s parent’s death or disability, or benefits based on the child’s disability.

Social Security for Parents and Guardians | SSA
Benefits of Social Security for Grandfamilies
Phone: 1.800.772.1213
Apply for Social Security Benefits: socialsecurity.gov

Bridge to Benefits

Bridge to Benefits is a project by Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits. By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see if you or someone else may be eligible for public work support programs. We will NOT ask you for information that identifies you. Screen for benefits at Bridge to Benefits. It’s free and confidential.

Child Care and Early Learning

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families supports a number of initiatives to support young children.  Early Learning Scholarships (ELS) may provide scholarship support for child care costs for children, up to age 5 or kindergarten (whichever is earlier). Children who have an MFIP Child Only grant should be eligible because they are receiving benefits from a public program. For more information connect with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families. 

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) may be available to income eligible families with children through age 12, or through age 14 for children with special needs.  To find out more about CCAP and other programs visit the Child Care Services page of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families website. 

Health Care Coverage (Medical Assistance (MA) and Medicaid)

MNsure

Health care coverage is available to children with limited or no income. You can request free help from an assister to apply for health coverage.

Online application
Paper application
Call MNSure to find an assister: 855.366.7873
Medical Assistance Help Desk: 651.431.2670
The Minnesota tribal and county directory can help you with questions about Minnesota Health Care Programs.

Portico Health Net

Minnesota health care coverage assistance is available through enrollment events and by appointment or phone.

Paper application
Phone: 651.489.2273
Web: www.porticohealthnet.org
Medical Assistance Help Desk: 651.431.2670
The Minnesota tribal and county directory can help you with question about MN Health Care Programs.

Child Safety and Family Preservation

Minnesota Child Protection System

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families responds to allegations of maltreatment and abuse, and helps support families to safely care for their children.  You can learn more and report a child safety concern by visiting the Child Safety and Family Preservation page on the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families website.  You can also find Minnesota's county and tribal child protection agencies on their website. If a child is in immediate risk of harm, call your local law enforcement agency or dial 911.

Child Foster Care

Understanding Foster Care: Basics for relatives of foster children

Paths to Permanency: Adoption of children in foster care and Transfer of permanent legal and physical custody of children in foster care.
 

Education

Special Education

If you are caring for a child that may need, or is currently receiving special education services, you may need to file for custody or adoption of the child, or become a surrogate parent to represent them in educational services.

Legal and Informal Options

Adoption and Guardianship, Minnesota Comparison Chart

This chart is designed to help kinship foster parents compare adoption and guardianship as two options that you and the children in your care can pursue.

Child Custody

Third party custody forms and instructions to establish custody of a child who is not your own.

Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA)

A Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) is a document that lets someone take care of your children when you can’t. This is a non-court form.

LawHelp MN

Find legal help by zip code and your legal issue.
Find Minnesota Legal Advice Online and Legal Clinics.

Kinship Caregiving Options

This publication—helps kinship families and the professionals who assist them compare caregiving options. It provides a broad, national overview about the choices and considerations to support caregivers in making informed decisions about the pathways to pursue.