Trying to Fit Square Pegs Into Round Holes: The Need for a New Funding Scheme for Kinship Caregivers

This article discusses the inadequacy of the current welfare system in meeting the needs of so-called "kinship caregivers." It summarizes the provisions of the two major programs for these individuals - the Aid to Families with Dependent Children fund, and the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act. It explains the difficulty for kinship caregivers under these systems, and outlines a proposed legislative solution whereby individuals in nontraditional family structures could more easily qualify for welfare.