When
the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is involved with children
that cannot safely remain in their home of origin, an alternate placement must
be identified. The alternate placement could be a placement with a
relative or fictive kin caregiver.
Relative caregivers must be related
to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Fictive kin
are individuals who are not blood related to a child by birth, marriage, or
adoption; however, they have developed an emotionally significant relationship
with the child. The relative or fictive kin caregiver will ensure the safety
and wellbeing of the child.