This bill requires states to provide comprehensive written information to grandparents and other relative caregivers who are seeking assistance for children in their care through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The notice must explain available legal options like guardianship and foster care, describe what additional services and supports are available, and provide contact information for kinship navigator programs and community resources including legal services, housing assistance, and child care. States must also employ a resource specialist or contract with a community organization to provide guidance to kinship caregivers about eligibility requirements, legal custody options, and how accepting benefits might affect eligibility for other programs. The notification requirements take effect immediately when kinship caregivers first contact the state for assistance, though states have flexibility to provide the information at the eligibility interview stage or as soon as practicable for those already receiving assistance. The bill does not include new federal funding but requires states to incorporate these notification and guidance requirements into their federally approved TANF state plans.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.