Authority: IC 31-25-2-18
Affected: IC 12-14-28; IC 31-27-4; IC 31-34-21-7.5
Sec. 3.
A guardian who meets all the following criteria shall be
eligible to receive assistance on behalf of a child who is eligible for
assistance under section 2 of this rule:
(1) The guardian must be a relative of the
child.
(2) The guardian must reside
in a home that meets all requirements for licensing as a foster family home
under IC 31-27-4 and 465 IAC
2-1.5.
(3) The eligible child must currently reside
with the guardian in the home of the guardian.
(4) The eligible child must have resided with
the guardian in the guardian's home for a continuous period of time not less
than six (6) months.
(5) The
guardian must be primarily responsible for providing for appropriate care,
support, maintenance, education, and welfare of the child.
(6) The guardian must meet each of the
following criteria, as shown by a home study and evaluation of the guardian and
child prepared or approved by a county office:
(A) Have the current and projected continuing
ability to provide for the child's physical, mental, emotional, educational,
and psychological needs, upon termination of supervision of the child by the
department or county office, except for provision of assistance approved under
this rule.
(B) Have the continuing
ability, willingness, and motivation to access and obtain appropriate services
outside the home that are necessary or appropriate for the health, education,
development, and well-being of the child and that will assist the child in
becoming a self-supporting adult to the maximum extent feasible.
(C) Have established a nurturing, stable
relationship with the child in which the child indicates a desire to continue a
family relationship and residence with the guardian in the guardian's
household.
(D) Have demonstrated
the ability to determine and regulate an appropriate level of relationship and
ongoing contacts with any parent or other close relative of the child,
consistent with the safety and best interests of the child, and in conformance
with any plan of visitation ordered or approved by the court in the child in
need of services proceeding.