Some kin are caring for related children who have been placed into foster care. There are two ways in which this can be done. The relative can be caring for the child without monetary assistance as simply a related home. The second option is relatives who become fully approved as foster parents with the intention to either become an adoptive placement for a related child or for situations where kinship guardianship is being considered. For children where kinship guardianship is being considered, the degree of relationship between child and related caregiver must be within the fourth degree.

Financial assistance may include a monthly board payment, Alabama Fostering Hope College Scholarship, Education/Training Vouchers (ETV) for foster youth, TANF, SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid/AllKids, Social Security, and/or EIC (Earned Income Credit). There may be financial assistance for daycare for children under the age of 5.