Guidance Document

1. Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide clear guidance for families, caregivers, and school personnel regarding the identification, enrollment, and support of students residing in Kinship Care arrangements. Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) is committed to ensuring educational continuity and access for all students, including those living with relatives or close family friends due to various circumstances.

2. Definition of Kinship Care

Kinship Care is defined as the full-time care, nurturing, and protection of children by relatives or close family friends (also known as fictive kin), in situations where the child cannot remain in the care of their biological parents. This care may be formal (court-ordered) or informal (family agreement without court involvement).

Types of Kinship Care:
- Formal Kinship Care: Caregiver has legal custody or guardianship granted by a court.
- Informal Kinship Care: Arrangement made by parents or legal custodians without court involvement.

3. Legal Framework

Relevant legal references include:
- Virginia Code § 22.1-3: Permits enrollment of a child living in kinship care arrangements.
- Virginia Code § 20-124.6: Provides for the delegation of parental powers through power of attorney for kinship caregivers.
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: May apply to certain kinship care situations when legal custody is not granted, ensuring immediate enrollment and educational support.

4. Enrollment Procedures

To enroll a student under kinship care, the caregiver must provide:

A. Formal Kinship Care:
- Court order granting legal custody or guardianship
- Proof of residency within Norfolk city limits
- Completed NPS enrollment forms

B. Informal Kinship Care:
- Kinship Caregiver Affidavit
- Notarized Power of Attorney or Parent/Guardian Authorization Statement
- Proof of residency
- Supporting documentation (e.g., medical or school records, letters from parents)

5. Verification and Review

NPS reserves the right to request additional documentation or verification. Kinship arrangements without court orders must be reviewed annually or when circumstances change. Investigations may be conducted if fraud or misrepresentation is suspected.

6. Rights and Responsibilities

Kinship Caregivers have the right to:
- Enroll the child in school
- Receive communication from the school
- Make educational decisions if authorized

They are responsible for:
- Ensuring the child attends school regularly
- Notifying the school of any changes in custody or residency
- Providing necessary documentation for school enrollment and services

Students have the right to:
- Immediate enrollment
- Equal access to educational services, including special education, transportation, and meals

7. Support Services

Norfolk Public Schools provides access to:
- School Counseling and Social Work Support
- Referrals to community agencies
- Special Education Evaluation (if applicable)
- McKinney-Vento Liaison support (for informal arrangements that meet criteria)

8. Contacts and Resources

Department of Student Support Services
Phone: 757-628-3931
Email: studentsupportservices@nps.k12.va.us
Website: https://www.npsk12.com/dsss

School Social Worker Contact: Assigned at each school.

Community Resources:
- Norfolk Department of Human Services
- Kinship Navigator Program (Virginia): https://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/kinshipnavigator.cgi
- Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia: https://www.laseva.org

9. Appendix

The appendix includes:
- Sample Kinship Caregiver Affidavit
- Power of Attorney Template
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Glossary of Terms

Any questions should be directed to the Department of Student Support Services at 757-628-3931.

Please forward Kinship Care documents to studentsupportservices@nps.k12.va.us or deliver to your child’s school.