For the Child’s Guardian(s)
- Guardianship honors and facilitates a common cultural practice and belief that “families take care of their own.” The relationship and family dynamics between the child, their parents, guardians, and extended family remain intact. For instance, Grandma stays Grandma. Therefore, it may feel natural for the caregiver to assume guardianship because family roles remain intact.
- Guardians care and commitment to a child creates relational permanency that is essential to well-being of children and facilitates positive identity formation by maintaining a child’s sense of belonging and connection to their extended family and culture.
- Guardians have the authority to make necessary legal decisions for the child, including but not limited to consenting to medical treatment, consenting to the child obtaining a driver’s license, and requesting an IEP for the child.
- With subsidized guardianship, the originating court order placing the child outside their home is required to be closed and the child welfare agency’s intervention with the family would end.
- This can be both positive and negative at the same time.
- Positive because the family can begin to establish an identity and sense of routine without the child welfare agency involved in their day-to-day family operations.
- Negative because the family loses a potential support service who knows their history and situation. Resources to address these concerns can be found in the “Resources” section.
- This can be both positive and negative at the same time.
- With subsidized guardianship, additional financial support is available to the family:
- Monthly payment to offset the costs of caring for the child.
- Child remains eligible for Foster Care Medicaid (FSTMA) coverage until the Subsidized Guardianship Agreement terminates: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/medicaid#support
- If the child leaves out-of-home care on or after their 16th birthday, they can continue receiving Independent Living Services up to age 23 (in most cases): https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/ys/independentliving
- Income eligibility for Wisconsin Shares (childcare subsidy) is based upon the child’s parents’ income at the time of the child’s removal from their home.