Legal Information
Topics include kinship legal rights, such as grandparents’ rights to visitation, custody rights, and information about guardianship and adoption. There is also information about foster care and how to become a foster parent. Parental designation forms, which allow for temporary custody situations, are also available.
Another area of interest is financial assistance. We have fact sheets about public assistance, how to apply for these benefits, and what tax credits are available to kinship caregivers who are raising children.
We also have information on many other topics, including school enrollment, birth certificates, proving blood relationship, and other topics.
Legal Fact Sheets and Information
Regional and Local Resources (including legal services providers)
Fostering Connections Act
* Judicial Guide to Implementing the Fostering Connections Act
Note: Most legal service providers may not have funding for free legal assistance to kinship families.
New York State Kinship Navigator is a program of
Catholic Family Center's Aging & Adult Services located in Rochester, NY
© 2011 New York State Kinship Navigator
