Alabama § 38-12-2 - Program Established.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 38-12-2 — Program Established., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38-12-2. Program Established.
(a) There is established a Kinship Foster Care Program in the State Department of Human Resources.
(b) When a child has been removed from his or her home and is in the care, custody, or guardianship of the department, the department shall attempt to place the child with a relative for kinship foster care. If the relative is approved by the department to provide foster care services, in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the department regarding foster care services, and a placement with the relative is made, the relative may receive payment for the full foster care rate only as provided by federal law for the care of the child and any other benefits that might be available to foster parents, whether in money or in services. Foster care payments shall cease upon the effective date of the kinship subsidiary payments or as provided by the department.
(c) The department shall establish standards for becoming a kinship foster parent as follows:
(1) A relative shall be an individual who is legally related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption within the fourth degree of kinship, including only a brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, grandparent, great grandparent, great aunt, great uncle, great great grandparent, niece, nephew, grandniece, grandnephew, or a stepparent. For the purposes of kinship foster care, the blood relationship shall continue to be recognized in defining relative after termination of parental rights.
(2) The kinship foster parent shall be 21 years of age or older, unless the department provides otherwise by rule to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(3) The department may waive standards for kinship foster care as provided by department rule and as permitted by other state and federal law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 38-12-2
What does Code of Alabama § 38-12-2 cover?
Section 38-12-2 ("Program Established.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 38-12-2?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 38-12-2" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 38-12-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.