(a) The department shall determine whether the person is able to care effectively for the foster child by the following methods:

Terms Used In Alabama Code 38-12-4

  • following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
(1) Reviewing personal and professional references.
(2) Observing during a home visit of the kinship foster parent with household members.
(3) Interviewing the kinship foster parent.
(b) The department and the kinship foster parent shall develop an individualized service plan for the foster care of the child. The plan shall be periodically reviewed and updated. If the plan includes the use of an approved daycare center or family daycare home, the department shall pay for child care arrangements, according to established rates.
(c) The kinship foster parent shall cooperate with any activities specified in the individualized service plan for the foster child, such as counseling, therapy, court sessions, or visits with the foster child’s parents or other family members.
(d) Whether appointed kinship guardian by the juvenile court or awarded a kinship guardianship subsidy, the kinship foster parent shall meet and continue to meet all subsidy program and funding requirements.