OCFS-4685. Kinship Guardianship Assistance Eligibility Checklist

Form OCFS-4685 is a Kinship Guardianship Assistance Eligibility Checklist form used by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The purpose of this form is to assess the eligibility of kinship caregivers for financial assistance and support through the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP).

The form consists of sections where the kinship caregiver provides information about their relationship to the child, the child's legal status, and the caregiver's ability and willingness to provide permanent care and support for the child. The form may also inquire about the child's special needs or circumstances that may affect eligibility.

Important fields in this form include accurate and detailed information about the caregiver's relationship to the child and their ability to meet the child's needs. The KinGAP provides financial and supportive services to kinship caregivers who assume legal guardianship of children in their care, and accurately assessing eligibility is crucial for ensuring the program's resources are allocated appropriately.

Application Example: A grandparent who has been caring for their grandchild for an extended period and wishes to become the child's legal guardian needs to complete this form to apply for KinGAP assistance. The grandparent will provide information about their relationship with the child, the child's legal status, and their capacity to meet the child's needs.

No additional documents are mentioned in the form, but the caregiver may need to submit legal documentation, such as proof of guardianship or custody, to support their eligibility.

Related Form: OCFS-4684. This form might be used for reporting changes in the caregiver's circumstances or the child's needs after they have been approved for KinGAP assistance.