Kinship/Relative Adoption

For information on kinship/relative adoption, including information on state laws covering this topic.

  • Visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway

www.childwelfare.gov     800-394-3366

  • Search keywords: kinship adoption
  • Click "Adoption by Family Type: Kinship/Relative Adoption" to find various links including a downloadable factsheet entitled, "Kinship Care/Grandparents Raising Grandchildren"

Further down the page find:
"Placement of Children with Relatives: Summary of State Laws"
a downloadable/viewable summary of the laws on kinship/relative adoption state-by-state.

  • Visit the AARP (American Associated of Retired Persons) website for information on the option of grandparent guardianship adoption:

  • www.aarp.org

Keyword search: grandparent adoption

  • The Children's Defense Organization has information on kinship adoption:

www.childrensdefense.org   800-233-1200

  • The Adoption Program Manager's office in each state also has specific information on Kinship/Relative Adoption.
  • Call the appropriate state Adoption Program Manager
  • Should the child(ren) live in one state and the relatives to adopt live in another state:
  • Call the Adoption Program Manager in each of the states
  • Call the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) Administrator (state- to- state adoption) for each state