Facing Time Limits and Kinship Placements

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between temporary welfare time limits and foster care relative placement in Nevada. A logit model was specified with a binary dependent variable capturing placement with relatives as opposed to nonrelative family foster care placement or group care. The findings reveal that, all else constant, children from welfare families with more months counted toward their Nevada's time limits are not more likely to be placed with relatives than their counterparts. The findings also show that children from African American families, from large families, or from families receiving cash during removal are more likely to be placed with relatives. The authors suggest that casework activities need to occur before, during, and after children experience foster care placements with relatives.