SB494 Summary

• Department of Human Resources is not required to consider out-of-state relatives for kinship guardian appointment unless they notify the department within 6 months of the child being placed in DHR legal custody.

• A written request for kinship guardian appointment must be verified and include specific information about the child, proposed guardian, parents, background checks, and criminal history of the guardian and household members.

• Kinship guardian must meet requirements including: a parent's written consent, child residing with guardian for 6+ months, and no other legal guardian currently appointed under Alabama law.

• Kinship guardians receive parental-level authority over child care, education, medical decisions, and activity participation, but cannot consent to adoption or name changes.

• Kinship guardianship terminates when child reaches age 18 (or 21 if eligible for subsidy), and can only be revoked or modified upon showing material change in circumstances that would promote child's best interest.