Kin-GAP: Introduction and Background Information

Within the field of social work, cultural competence refers to the ability to practice social work “in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of each” (National Association of Social Workers, 2015, p. 13).

Cultural awareness refers to being mindful or conscious of similarities and differences between people from different groups. It includes being aware of issues related to power, privilege, and oppression. To employ cultural awareness in practice, social service agency staff need to be aware of their own cultural characteristics (values, worldviews, language, belief systems, traditions, norms), as well as those of the people they are serving. Without self-awareness, social service agency staff risk imposing their values, beliefs, and judgments on clients (Maschi & Leibowitz, 2018). They also risk inadvertently constructing barriers to trust that are necessary to fully engage children, youth, and families.

Implicit bias, also known as implicit prejudice or implicit attitude, is an unconscious, negative attitude against a specific social group. It is thought to be shaped by experience and based on learned associations between particular qualities and social categories, including race and/or gender. Individuals’ perceptions and behaviors can be influenced by the implicit biases they hold, even if they are unaware, they hold such biases (Implicit Bias, N.D.).

Explicit bias is the traditional conceptualization of bias. It refers more to the conscious level bias – when we are aware of our prejudices, attitudes, and beliefs towards certain groups of people (Understanding Bias: A Resource Guide, N.D.).

We all have innate implicit and explicit biases – therefore, it is imperative that everyone becomes aware of what their individual biases are. If we are not aware, our biases can seep into our professional roles and discolor the way in which we view people and negatively influence the way in which decisions are made on behalf of a family or child. Staff that comprise the systems of care have a moral and ethical obligation to ensure that decision making in their cases is fair, equitable and inclusive. Becoming aware of our biases will help ensure this occurs. Specifically, foster care eligibility staff hold a great deal of responsibility in their roles when it comes to making decisions about who receives aid and who does not, thus, making it imperative that eligibility staff too, become aware of individual biases.

There are a total of three learning segments in the Foster Care Eligibility training series.

• Segment 1: Foster Care Eligibility
• Segment 2: Kin-GAP
• Segment 3: Juvenile Court

The purpose of this training series is designed to support county eligibility staff in determining, documenting, and authorizing eligibility for foster care under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. The Kin-GAP course is the second learning segment in this training series.

Foster Care Eligibility course refers to the basics of eligibility determination, thus, it is recommended that the participant complete Foster Care Eligibility course before Kin-GAP or Juvenile Court. The Kin-GAP participant guide accompanies a self-paced e-learning. Participants can read the participant guide before completing the e-learning or complete it simultaneously. Both the guide and e-learning are intended to enhance the knowledge and understanding of Aid to Families with Dependent Children-Foster Care (AFDC-FC) requirements as well as the Federal Financial Participation (Title IV eligibility requirements) for County Welfare Departments (CWDs), County Probation Departments and Title IV-E Tribes.

When all three learning segments have been completed, the participant will receive a certificate of completion.

Kin-GAP Eligibility Course

This course intends to bring awareness of the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program, also called Kin-GAP. This program offers relative caregivers an option for providing a permanent home to dependent children and wards of the juvenile court placed in their care.

Kin-GAP provides another option to the child, the family and court in a continuum of choices, allowing flexibility for the most appropriate permanency plan to be selected in the best interests of the child. The relative caregiver’s participation in Kin-GAP is strictly voluntary and not mandated by any regulations or statutes. The California Kin-GAP program became effective on January 1, 2000.

Additional Information Regarding This Desk Guide

This guide only covers the Kin-GAP course. Foster Care Eligibility and Juvenile Court courses have their own participant guides.

This guide is searchable to make it easier to locate information. Not all information for a topic is in one location of this document.

Additionally, each chapter consists of multiple subsections. Within each subsection, there is a list of corresponding policies and forms for that subsection topic.

― Each corresponding policy is hyperlinked and can also be found on the CDSS website here:

• CDSS Letters and Notices
• CDSS Foster Care
• Regulations

― Each corresponding form is not hyperlinked, due to the frequency of changes made to the forms.

The latest version of each form can be found on the CDSS website here:

• CDSS Forms and Brochures

If you need help while completing this course, ask for guidance from supervisors, coaches or lead workers in your County Welfare Department. Additional resources and how to contact CDSS to answer questions are listed in the Resource section of this guide.

There are many terms used throughout this guide and e-learning course, those listed below are key terms used frequently throughout. It is recommended that the participant review the Definitions section of this document. A complete list of definitions related to AFDC-FC can also be located in MPP 45-101. Below are definitions for some of the most pertinent terms used in AFDC-FC and the Foster Care System. Policy: WIC 11400, Division 45 AFDC-FC (MPP 45-100)

Key Forms

Data entry for the required forms in foster care eligibility determinations is done in CalSAWS, thus, it will look different to the worker when completing in real time. However, once data entry is done, the outcome will mirror the forms posted on the CDSS website. Visit the CDSS website, Forms and Brochures, to access all current versions of the referenced forms as needed for training and learning purposes. NOTE: At the bottom of this guide, there is a more comprehensive list of all the forms related to foster care eligibility determinations. See Common Forms (Resources) section.

Listed below are some of the most common forms that are needed to determine, maintain, and document eligibility for Kin-GAP. For a complete list of forms and the most recent versions, refer to the California Department of Social Services website at: http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/Forms-Brochures/Forms-by-Program.

• Level of Care Protocol (LOCP) forms:
• a.    SOC 500 – Level of Care Digital Scoring Form
• b.    SOC 501 – Level of Care Rate Determination Matrix
• KG 1 – Kin-GAP Mutual Agreement for 18-Year-Olds
• KG 2 – Determination of Kin-GAP Eligibility
• KG 3 – Kin-GAP Mutual Agreement for Non-minor Former Dependents
• FC 2 – Statement of Facts Supporting Eligibility for Title IV-E Foster Care
• FC 3 – Determination of Title IV-E Foster Care Eligibility
• KG 4 – Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP) Program - Nonrecurring Legal Guardianship Expenses Agreement
• KG 5 – Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP) Program Nonrecurring Legal Guardianship Expenses Form
• SOC 369 – Agency-Relative Guardianship Disclosure
• SOC 369A – Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP) Program Agreement Amendment
• CW 2.1 – Notice and Agreement for Child, Spousal and Medical Support
• CW 2.1Q – Support Questionnaire

Aid Codes for Kin-GAP

Policy: ACL 12-32 (supersedes CFL 10/11-64), ACL 14-28
County Fiscal Letters: ACL 14-28, CFL 13/14-45, CFL 13/14-30, CFL 12/13-29, CFL 12/13-29E, CFL 12/13-02, and CFL 12/13-02E

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has assigned specific codes, termed “aid codes” to identify the various types of recipients under the Medi-Cal Program. The aid codes below are meant to assist staff and providers in identifying the types of services for which Medi-Cal and Public Health

Program recipients are eligible. These aid codes are used when billing for services through the Medi-Cal claims processing systems and for other non Medi-Cal programs that need to verify eligibility through the Eligibility Verification System (EVS).

The following are pertaining to the Kin-GAP program only and based on the age of child. These aid codes are used by the eligibility staff when entering in CalSAWS.

• Regular State Kin-GAP (ages 0-18) Aid Code: 4F, 4G
• Regular Federal Kin-GAP (ages 0-18) Aid Code: 4T
• Extended State Kin-GAP (ages 18-21) Aid Code: 4W
• Extended Federal Kin-GAP (ages 18-21) Aid Code: 4S

Kin-GAP with documented disabilities (ages 18-21) Aid Code: 4F, 4G (refer to CFL 16/17-07)

Federal Aid to Families with Dependent Children-Foster Care Program (AFDC-FC)

In 1996, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) repealed the AFDC program with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), block grant. However, in determining federal foster care eligibility, PRWORA requires states to use the AFDC eligibility standards (rules), that were in effect on July 16,1996 absent any waivers that had been granted to a state. This means effective July 1, 1997, establishing a child’s eligibility for AFDC-FC, the rules in effect on July 16, 1996, must continue to be used. The date above, July 16, 1996, may be commonly referred to as “the look-back date.”

PRWORA also amended Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, which required California to amend its Title IV-E State Plan to reflect new requirements mandated by PRWORA. Information regarding the Title IV-E State Plan is provided later in this participant guide. For further background information on how PRWORA impacted California’s AFDC and AFDC-FC programs, please refer to ACL 98-01.

The AFDC-FC program provides assistance by way of foster care payments, to caregivers who provide care for foster children who are placed in their home. AFDC-FC eligibility is dependent on all general eligibility requirements being met. When all federal eligibility requirements are met under the AFDC- FC Program, federal (Title IV-E) funding is available. Eligibility staff should note when AFDC-FC federal eligibility requirements are not met, children may still qualify for aid/payments under the non-federal AFDC-FC Program. Differences between the federal and non-federal AFDC Program requirements are described in detail in this guide.

When determining eligibility, the 1996 AFDC regulations must continue to be used in conjunction with current foster care regulations in MPP 45-100 to MPP 45-300. County staff no longer utilize CalWORKs regulations or rules in determining AFDC-FC benefits.

Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA)

Policy: ACL 22-23, ACIN I-73-21, ACL 21-113, ACL 21-114, ACL 21-115, ACL 21-116

On February 9, 2018, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 - Public Law (P.L.) 115-123 was signed into law, which includes the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). To comply with and implement provisions of FFPSA, the California Department of Social Services amended its Title IV-E State Plan. Until CDSS regulations are updated, eligibility staff shall utilize policy guidance in ACLs and ACINs. Of note under FFPSA Part IV are new placement requirements for claiming Federal Financial Participation (FFP), when foster youth are placed in Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs).

For more information about the changes to Title IV-E funding requirements enacted by California as they relate to FFPSA Part IV, please visit the Reference Section of this document to access the federal Title IV-E Review Guide. 

Continuum of Care Reform (CCR)

Policy: ACL 16-79, 17-11, ACL 18-06, ACL 18-06, ACL 18-25, and ACL 23-65

On October 11, 2015, AB 403, also known as the Continuum of Care Reform (CCR), was signed into law by the Governor of California. Continuum of Care Reform provides a framework for improving the delivery of child welfare services with an understanding children placed in out-of-home care do best when placed in family homes. Although CCR efforts are significant, they did not affect foster care eligibility requirements. County eligibility staff are not responsible for assessing or determining the foster care rate a child qualifies, however, generally they authorize foster care payments in CalSAWS. Noteworthy for county eligibility staff are changes made to foster care rates paid under the new Level of Care (LOC) rate structure for children and youth placed in out-of-home care. CCR changes included Group Homes (GH) transitioning to an STRTP and eliminating GH rates.

Other Key Components to Continuum of Care Reform Include:

• Child and Family Team case planning.
• Provisions for services including behavioral and mental health in a home setting.
• Collaboration of agencies to provide services, support, and resources for children and families.
• Resource Family Approval process for foster care homes including relatives and non-relatives. When a child is determined eligible for federal foster care, the approval of a home allows for issuance of a foster care payment made on behalf of the child, to a relative or non-relative.

Eligibility Staff’s Responsibility

Eligibility staff who determine and authorize Title IV-E funds must ensure that each eligibility determination is made accurately and in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws.

Federal foster care eligibility guidance includes but is not limited to the following: Title IV-E of the Social Security Act at 472(a) [42 U.S.C. 672] and federal regulations found at 45 CFR Part 1355 and 45 CFR Part 1356. On federal foster care cases, documentation gathered and reviewed by eligibility staff shall support the eligibility determination when Title IV-E funds are authorized for foster care payments.

The social worker or probation officer overseeing the court case will be responsible for completing some of the documentation needed to support foster care eligibility determinations. When eligibility staff receive documentation from the social worker or probation officer, it is their responsibility to review for accuracy and completeness. If any documentation is incomplete, filled out incorrectly, or not received, it is the responsibility of the eligibility staff to notify the social worker or probation office and partner with them to attain the necessary information and documentation to complete accurate eligibility determinations.

Proactive steps in communication and collaboration with social workers and probation officers help ensure timely receipt of documentation required for accurate eligibility determinations, thus, helping eligibility staff make determinations in a timely manner pursuant to regulation.

It is also the responsibility of eligibility staff to review all applicable state and federal regulations and policies when making eligibility determinations. Desk Guide users should note that federal and state legislation governing foster care eligibility are subject to change and may affect the work of eligibility staff. It is the responsibility of eligibility staff to stay abreast of updated changes to ensure eligibility determinations continue to comply with federal and state law. This Desk Guide was updated in July 2025.

You can access all Foster Care regulations on CDSS’s website: Foster Care Regulations.

NOTE: The CDSS Foster Care Eligibility Unit is available for questions and consultation on any regulations. 

Content Overview

This training addresses Kin-GAP requirements and eligibility. The training provides guidance for the appropriate use of Kin-GAP forms and documentation used for determining and initiating Kin-GAP payments.

The course material contains or provides links to:

• Federal and state laws
• Policy and procedures
• All County Letters
• Forms
• Abbreviations commonly used
• Definitions
• Vignettes

Kin-GAP Chapters

1. Kin-GAP Introduction and Background
2. Eligibility for Kin-GAP
3. Other Benefits for Kin-GAP Recipients
4. Extended Kin-GAP
5. Other (Right to State Hearings)
6. Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC) Program 
    

This training addresses Kin-GAP requirements and eligibility. The training provides guidance for the appropriate use of Kin-GAP forms and documentation used for determining and initiating Kin-GAP payments.
The course material contains or provides links to:
―    Federal and state laws
―    Policy and procedures
―    All County Letters
―    Forms
―    Abbreviations commonly used
―    Definitions
―    Vignettes

Kin-GAP Chapters

1. Kin-GAP Introduction and Background
2. Eligibility for Kin-GAP
3. Other Benefits for Kin-GAP Recipients
4. Extended Kin-GAP
5. Other (Right to State Hearings)
6. Approved Relative Caregiver (ARC) Program 

Upon completion of this course the participants will be able to:

Knowledge

• Describe the purpose of Kin-GAP.
• List the criteria to be eligible for Kin-GAP. Define “relative” – who can receive Kin-GAP.
• List the five participation criteria for Extended Kin-GAP. Describe county and client responsibilities.

Skills

• Accurately answer questions about Kin-GAP eligibility requirements.
• Identify which county is responsible for paying the Kin-GAP payment and which person receives the payment.
• Able to locate ACLs, ACINs, and forms for Kin-GAP eligibility determinations.
• Eligibility staff should be able to complete the appropriate Kin-GAP forms such as KG 2, placement agreements, reassessments, etc.
• Communicating with SW preemptively and ensuring forms are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• SW and EW understand each other’s roles and responsibilities to ensure no delay in determining eligibility and no delay in payment to the caregiver.

Values

Agrees with the responsibilities of eligibility staff to accurately determine and document Kin-GAP eligibility.