1. (A) The director of children and youth shall implement 42 U.S.C. 673(d) to provide kinship guardianship assistance under Title IV-E on behalf of a child to a relative who meets the following requirements:

   1. (1) The relative has cared for the eligible child pursuant to division (B) of this section as a foster caregiver as defined by section 5103.02 of the Revised Code for at least six consecutive months.

   2. (2) Both of the following apply:

      1. (a) A juvenile court issued an order granting legal custody of the child to the relative, or a probate court issued an order granting guardianship of the child to the relative, and the order is not a temporary court order.
      2. (b) The relative has committed to care for the child on a permanent basis.
   3. (3) The relative signs a kinship guardianship assistance agreement required by 42 U.S.C. 673.

2. (B) A child is an eligible child for kinship guardianship assistance under this section if the following are met:

   1. (1) The child has been removed from his or her home pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement or as a result of a judicial determination to the effect that continuation in the home would be contrary to the welfare of the child.
   2. (2) The child has been eligible for foster care maintenance payments under section 5180.42 of the Revised Code while residing for at least six consecutive months in the home of a relative described in division (A) of this section.
   3. (3) Returning the child home or adoption of the child are not appropriate permanency options for the child.
   4. (4) The child demonstrates a strong attachment to the child's relative described in division (A) of this section and the relative has a strong commitment to caring permanently for the child.
   5. (5) With respect to a child who has attained fourteen years of age, the child has been consulted regarding the kinship guardianship arrangement.

Last updated October 3, 2025 at 9:37 AM