Kinship care refers to grandparents, other relatives and even family friends who can care for your child for a specific time.

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The NY State Office of Children and Family Services offers the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program where the guardian can make all necessary decisions for the child, including medical and educational decisions. For a child not free for adoption, parental rights are still retained by the birth parents. The child may maintain contact with the parents, including visits, if appropriate to the circumstances. 

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