Kentucky · What to do when…
A child moved in and you need kinship help
Ask about help for a relative or close family friend caring for a child. Start with the placement and the child's needs.
Gather the placement details
Note when the child moved in, who arranged it, and whether a court or social worker is involved. Keep any placement papers.
Call the kinship support hotline
Call 877-565-5608. Say you now care for a relative's or friend's child. Ask which support route fits your placement.
Name the needs that cannot wait
Explain food, child care, school or medical needs. Ask the worker about child-only KTAP, health coverage and other kinship supports.
Check each application separately
Ask Family Support at 855-306-8959 about SNAP, KTAP or KCHIP. Tell staff who lives with you and which benefits the child already gets.
Source: Division of Family SupportSource: Kinship caregiver frequently asked questions
Keep the next task in writing
Write down which office handles each request, what proof it needs, and when to follow up. Ask for the reason if help is denied.
If this does not work
Ask the kinship hotline to help sort out the placement type or missing papers. If food is needed now, use the existing Food Crisis guide.
Confirm before you go
Confirm the correct office, appointment, placement papers and child's records. Staff must review each program; caring for a child does not promise payment.
The agency decides who can get help. Funds, appointments, and space may change. Keep private records with you; this page does not ask for them.
Sources and check dates
| Source | Exact excerpt | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky CHFS KY FACES: Kinship caregiver frequently asked questions | “Call (877) 565-5608 Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm or email relative.supports@ky.gov” | 2026-10-08 |
| Kentucky CHFS: Division of Family Support | “Family Support Call Lines Phone: 855-306-8959” | 2026-10-08 |
| National 911 Program: Calling 911 | “An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance.” | 2026-10-07 |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 Lifeline | “Call, text, or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor for help during difficult moments anytime, day or night.” | 2026-10-07 |