Scorecard Terms

Fictive Kinship – relationships that are not based on blood ties or marriage but are considered equivalent to familial bonds.
Kinship – social bonds and relationships derived from blood ties (biological connections), marriage, or adoption. Kinships systems help establish patterns of social interaction, support networks, and the transmission of cultural norms and values across generations.
Kinship Navigator Program – social service initiative designed to support kinship caregivers – relatives or close family friends. These programs provide caregivers with information, resources, and assistance in navigating various systems such as legal, financial, educational, healthcare services. The goal is to ensure that kinship caregivers have the necessary support to provide a stable and nurturing home for children in their care.
Legal Guardianship - legal court process where a person to act as a parent for a child (under 18 years old) who is not yet independent.
Placement – living arrangement in a home other than the biological parent.
Post Permanency Services - provides comprehensive resources by support provided by states, tribal nations, and territories to families that have adopted or have guardianship of a child.
National Kinship Month - celebrated in September, National Kinship Care Month recognizes and celebrates the grandparents, aunts, uncles, relatives, and non-relatives who care for children when they are unable to live with their parents.

Question Title

1. RESEARCH INFORMED CONSENT FORM

Principal Investigators: Valerie D. Jackson, PhD 346-218-0638

Purpose of the study: A national kinship scorecard evaluating all 50 states’ child welfare policies, practices, and programs is essential to ensure accountability, transparency, and equity in how states support kinship caregivers and the children in their care. However, there is significant variation among states in how they recognize, support, and resource kinship families.


I understand that my participation in research will remain confidential, and that no information associated with my identity will be stored with the data produced from the demographic survey and questionnaire. Furthermore, individual names and related demographic information will not be included in published reports or articles. I can withdraw at any time. For research related problems or questions regarding subjects' rights, contact Dr. Valerie D. Jackson at (346) 218-0638 with any questions about this study. I have read and understand all the above information and all my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I have been given a copy of this consent document for my records. I understand that by signing this document, I consent to participate in this study. (Required.)

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