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DCS  > Permanency > Assisted Guardianship Assisted Guardianship

Assisted Guardianship is a limited TANF funded program. This program is meant to help families where it has been determined Guardianship is the best permanency plan for a child or sibling group and due to significant financial need, assistance is required for the child’s permanency and well-being.


The Youth must meet eligibility requirements:
•  The Youth must be at least 13 years old and under 18 years of age; or
•  A member of a sibling group where at least one (1) of the youths is 13; or
•  Seriously disabled; or
•  Court finds and states in an order compelling reasons for the guardianship being the preferred permanency option;
•  Youth must live with an adult relative caregiver for a continuous 6 months prior to the finalization of the guardianship;
•  Financial eligibility for the child must be verified at 250% below the Federal Poverty Guideline ;
•  The Youth must be a ward of DCS; and
•  The Youth must have been removed from their home/parent(s) cannot be living in the home
The relative caregiver must meet eligibility requirements:
•  Be licensed foster parent;
•  Be an Indiana Resident;
•  Must be primarily responsible for providing for appropriate care, support, maintenance, education and welfare of the youth;
•  Must pass background checks as required by the Department; and
•  Show proof of medical coverage for the youth
For more information on Assisted Guardianship, contact your local DCS Office: http://www.in.gov/dcs/2372.htm.