Georgia Kinship Foster Care Licensing Requirements

When DFCS places a child with a relative in Georgia, the relative isn't automatically a licensed foster parent. Licensing is a separate process — and completing it is what moves you from the enhanced relative rate to the full foster care per diem, which can mean the difference between a few hundred dollars a month and $741 or more.

When Licensing Applies

Kinship foster care licensing only comes into play when the child is in formal DFCS custody. If you're raising a grandchild through a private family arrangement — even with a Power of Attorney or guardianship — foster licensing isn't part of the picture. Your benefit path runs through TANF child-only instead.

But if DFCS removed the child from the parent's home through Juvenile Court and placed the child with you as a relative, licensing determines your payment tier and opens the door to KinGAP guardianship assistance later.

What the Licensing Process Requires

DFCS provides relative caregivers with the requirements for foster-home approval or licensing. Ask your caseworker for the checklist that applies to the placement; common areas to clarify include:

Background checks: Ask DFCS which household members must be screened and which background checks apply to your placement. The caseworker can explain how specific criminal history affects approval.

Home study: Ask which home assessment and safety standards apply to the placement, including any requirements for the child's sleeping space and safe storage.

Training: Ask DFCS which pre-service training applies to the placement and whether a modified schedule is available for kinship caregivers.

Health screening: Ask DFCS whether adults in the home need to provide a medical statement or complete a tuberculosis screening.

References: Ask DFCS whether personal references are required for your placement and how many to provide.

Timeline and the Enhanced Relative Rate

Full licensing doesn't happen overnight. During the approval and licensing period, DFCS pays the enhanced relative rate — a payment higher than TANF but lower than the full foster care per diem. This rate supports relative placements while licensing is being completed.

Once you're fully approved and licensed, the payment moves to the standard foster care per diem: $29.20/day for children ages 0–5, $31.51/day for ages 6–12, and $34.27/day for ages 13 and older (SFY 2026 rates). That's roughly $741 to $854 per month, compared to $155 under TANF child-only.

Why Licensing Matters Beyond the Payment

Children in DFCS custody receive Medicaid coverage through Georgia Families 360° managed care (GF360), which coordinates physical health, dental, and behavioral health services.

More importantly, licensing is a prerequisite for KinGAP — the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program. After the child has lived with you as a licensed kinship foster parent for at least six consecutive months, and DFCS determines that reunification and adoption aren't appropriate, you can assume permanent guardianship with ongoing monthly payments matching the foster care rate. Without completing licensing, KinGAP is never available.

What to Expect

If DFCS is considering placing a child with you, ask your caseworker directly about starting the licensing process. Be prepared for paperwork and home visits, but know that DFCS prioritizes keeping children with family — the process is designed to support relative placements, not screen them out.

For a complete breakdown of how foster care licensing connects to every other payment and benefit program in Georgia, our kinship financial help guide maps the full pathway from initial DFCS placement through licensing, KinGAP, and long-term support.

See more Georgia guides →