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Bill

SB 349

AN ACT relating to relative and fictive kin caregivers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Adams

SB 349 expands legal protections and state support access for relatives and family friends serving as informal child caregivers in Kentucky.

to Committee on Committees (S)
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Bill Summary · SB 349

Legislative bill overview

SB 349 addresses the legal status and support mechanisms for relative and fictive kin caregivers—family members and close family friends who assume guardianship of children outside the traditional foster care system. The bill likely expands rights, benefits, or legal recognition for these informal caregivers who currently lack uniform protections or access to state resources available to licensed foster parents.

Why is this important

Millions of children nationwide live with relatives or close family friends due to parental incapacity, absence, or death. These informal arrangements often receive no state support despite caregivers bearing full financial and legal responsibility. Clarifying the legal status and eligibility for assistance programs ensures vulnerable children have stable care while reducing burden on individual families and the formal child welfare system.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to the state: Expanding benefits and support services to relatives/fictive kin caregivers may require significant budget allocation, potentially conflicting with other priorities
  • Definitional clarity: "Fictive kin" lacks precise legal boundaries; disputes may arise over who qualifies for benefits and protections
  • Child welfare oversight balance: Expanding informal care recognition could reduce monitoring of child safety if regulatory requirements are weakened compared to licensed foster care standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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