Web Address: www.lcooa.org

Description:

The Kinship Navigator Program (KPI)

The Kinship Navigator Program was created to support children in the homes of family members or friends who have committed to caring for them when birth parents cannot. Please Note: To qualify for KPI, a court must have rewarded custody of the child to you after July of 2005  

Eligibility & Requirements

• Eligibility is only available for children you assumed custody of on or after July 1, 2005

• A judge ruled that the child was abused, neglected, dependent or unruly

• A judge award legal custody of the child to you after July 1, 2005

• Your income in no higher than 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines

How Do You Receive Financial Assistance

• To receive cash payments, eligible families must apply through their county public children services agency and complete a family home assessment

• Note: KPI payments are in addition to Ohio Works First cash assistance received for the child

Other Services Available

• The expanded Early Learning Initiative – a preschool early childhood education program

• Ohio Works First cash assistance – ask for a “child only” application

• The Kinship Navigator Program – to assist you in finding other local resources

• Contact your local public children services agency to find out more about KPI and other resources that may be available to you.

Look up your public children services agency in the county government pages of your phone book or call information to locate the correct number.

Address:

Lorain County Children Services

226 Middle Ave., 3rd floor

Elyria, Ohio 44035

(440) 329-5340