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Each year, The Imprint publishes opinion columns and personal reflections contributed by current or former foster youth. These pieces represent a perspective on the current child welfare system that leaders must heed.

A group of child welfare advocates is urging California to level out assistance to relatives caring for children who are removed from their homes. California is the last remaining state that provides no foster care support at all to relatives of children who are not eligible for federal foster care support, according to John Burton Foundation Policy Director Amy Lemley.

States can establish their own licensing standards as long as it benefits the child’s safety. Each state is different and can waive non-safety standards under certain circumstances if the relative is willing to care for the foster youth.

Licensing is important to consider when thinking about providing support for children in foster care, particularly in the context of kinship foster care. In order for a state to draw down federal funds for a foster home, it must be licensed, and that includes kinship placements.