Resource Family Registry (RFR)

DPW maintains the Resource Family Registry in which all foster, adoptive and formal kinship care applicants are registered.  Registration comes through submission of the CY131 form.  A total of 58,229 applicants have been registered with the RFR.  Of that total, 16,117 applied for adoption, 42,166 applied for foster care and 14,418 applied for kinship care. 

Currently, support for the RFR is provided by the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network’s prime contract with Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries in partnership with Family Design Resources. 

The Office of Children, Youth and Families Bulletin #00-03-03, Kinship Care Policy, defines Kinship Care as: The full-time nurturing and protection of a child who is separated from his parents and placed in the home of a caregiver who has an existing relationship with the child and/or the child’s family.  The existing relationship involves one of the following characteristics:

• Relative of the child through blood or marriage
• Godparent of the child as recognized by an organized church
• Member of the child’s tribal organization
• Significant positive relationship with the child or the child’s family