Applicant ID
Full legal name, date of birth, government ID number, and current contact information for the caregiver.
Completing a clear Kinship Care Application speeds screening, documents consent for medical and educational decisions, and creates a record that supports family-based placement. It helps agencies evaluate safety, triggers required background checks, and preserves legal rights for the child and caregiver during review or transition.
Several parties commonly complete or review a Kinship Care Application depending on the setting and formality of the placement.
Knowing which party prepares versus who reviews the form helps ensure correct routing, required signatures, and any necessary notarization or court filing.
Full legal name, date of birth, government ID number, and current contact information for the caregiver.
Child’s full name, date of birth, current school, medical needs, and any existing custody orders or child welfare cases.
Statement describing relationship to the child, nature of caregiving, prior residence history, and supporting documentation like birth certificates.
Address, household members, sleeping arrangements, and a description of how the home meets the child’s needs.
Medical consent, school enrollment authorization, and release of records forms for health and education providers.
Consent for criminal history checks, fingerprinting where required, and any child abuse/neglect database searches.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Applicant ID Field | Required text; validated against ID upload |
| Signature Field | Signer email + date stamp required |
| Attachments | Mandatory uploads: birth cert, ID, proof of address |
| Review Step | Route to caseworker inbox after submission |
Use an eSignature platform that supports secure identity, audit trails, and HIPAA controls when health information is included.
Ensure the chosen platform can store signed PDFs, produce a certificate of completion, and support administrative controls for access, retention, and a BAA if protected health information is exchanged.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Temporary placements may be authorized same day in emergencies
Typically 3–30 days depending on fingerprinting and state systems
Agency scheduling often occurs within 7–21 days of submission
Family court calendars and hearing dates can add weeks to months
Subsidy decisions may follow case review and take 30–90 days
A grandparent submits a completed application with ID and birth certificate
A family friend completes an informal kinship form and medical authorizations