Texas Kincare Primer Form

TEXAS KINCARE PRIMER

Texas Kincare Taskforce

Primer and Resource Guide

© Texas Kincare Taskforce. All rights reserved.

This document provides general information and resources for kinship caregivers, including public benefits, legal resources, school enrollment, authorization agreements, consent to medical treatment, power of attorney, early childhood intervention services, and area agencies on aging.

Table of Contents

What is “Kincare”?

Purpose of this Primer

General Information for Kincare Families

Documents you may need in seeking Services

TexasLawHelp.org

Legal Resources

Public Benefits for Kincare Families – State-Administered

Public Benefits for Kincare Families – Federally-Administered

Earned Income Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Family Law

Family and Medical Leave Act

School Enrollment

Authorization Agreement

Consent to Medical Treatment by a Non-Parent

Power of Attorney

Early Childhood Intervention Services

Area Agencies on Aging

Taking Care of Yourself

Kincare Information

Kincare occurs when a minor child does not live under the control of either parent, but is instead cared for by a relative such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or other family member.

The mother or father may be living in the same home, but often neither parent is present.

This can happen for many reasons including death, absence, incarceration, child abuse or neglect, illness, or other family circumstances.

General Information for Kincare Families

2-1-1 is a statewide information system that can help locate health and human services, legal services, and related support.

Many services are means-tested and vary by community. State-administered services are available statewide to those who qualify.

For public services, you may also visit YourTexasBenefits or TexasLawHelp for information and applications.

Documents you may need in seeking services

Keep important records for each child in your care, including birth certificate, Social Security card, court orders, report cards, immunization records, and health insurance cards.

Other documents may include your ID, wage stubs, tax returns, lease or mortgage payment book, utility bills, healthcare bills, benefit notices, receipts, court documents, and legal papers such as powers of attorney or consent forms.

Legal Resources

The primer describes legal services for low-income Texans, older persons, victims of violent crime, and persons with disabilities. It also references Legal Aid programs, TexasLawHelp.org, and appointment of counsel in civil cases.

Public Benefits for Kincare Families – State-Administered Programs

State benefits discussed include TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, Food Stamps, and WIC. These programs may help with cash assistance, healthcare, nutrition, and child care.

Public Benefits for Kincare Families – Federally-Administered Programs

Federally-administered benefits discussed include Social Security, SSI, Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Family Law topics such as managing conservatorship and guardianship.

School Enrollment

Children have a right to attend school in the district where they live. Documentation rules may vary, and denial decisions can be appealed.

Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Relative

Use the form below to capture information about the child, parents, relative caregiver, and the authorization terms.

Child Information

Child’s Full Name:

Date of Birth:

Parent Completing This Form

Full Name:

Physical Address:

Telephone Number:

Other Contact Information:

Child’s Other Parent

Full Name:

Physical Address:

Telephone Number:

Other Contact Information:

Relative Authorized to Make Decisions

Name:

Relationship to Child: Child’s Grandparent Child’s Adult Sibling Child’s Aunt or Uncle

Physical Address:

Telephone Number:

Other Contact Information:

Authorization Details

Medical, dental, psychological, surgical treatment and immunization
Obtain and maintain health and automobile insurance
Enroll child in day care or school
Approve age-appropriate activities
Obtain learner’s permit, driver’s license, or state ID
Authorize employment
Apply for and receive public benefits

Court Involvement

There is no court involvement with this child
This child has been the subject of a court action

Agreement Status

Valid until revoked in writing by either party
Continues in effect after the death or incapacity of parent
Expires on

Signatures

Consent to Medical Treatment by a Non-Parent

This section captures consent information for a child’s medical, dental, psychological, and/or surgical treatment.

Child’s Name:

Relationship to Child: Grandparent Adult Brother or Sister Adult Aunt or Uncle Adult with actual care/control

Child’s Father’s Name:

Child’s Mother’s Name:

Managing Conservator or Guardian:

Nature of Treatment:

Treatment Start Date:

Printed Name:

Signature:

Today’s Date:

Power of Attorney

Use this section to provide authority for another adult to handle matters for a child.

County:

Principal Name:

Attorney-in-Fact Name:

Child Name:

Child Date of Birth:

Child Social Security Number:

Child Care Powers: Medical treatment Access records School registration

No court orders about this child
A court has issued orders about this child

Expiration Date:

Notary Name:

Notary Commission Expiration:

Early Childhood Intervention Services

ECI provides support and services for babies and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Contact information and program details are included in the primer.

Area Agencies on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging provide caregiver support services, information and referral, benefits counseling, ombudsman services, nutrition services, transportation, and care coordination.

Taking Care of Yourself

Tips include taking care of your health, taking breaks, sharing concerns, avoiding isolation, setting limits, and focusing on the positive.

Additional Notes