Final answer:
Eligibility for the Relative Caregiver Program requires the child to have a legal relationship with the caregiver, such as with a grandparent or other relative, and not necessarily be a biological child or have been in foster care for a set duration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Relative Caregiver Program aims to provide stability for children who cannot live with their biological or adoptive parents. A crucial requirement for eligibility in this program is that the child must have a legal relationship with the caregiver. This often pertains to grandparents or other relatives who step in to care for the child due to various reasons such as parental drug abuse, incarceration, or abandonment.
It is not necessary for the child to be a biological child of the caregiver, be of a certain age, or have been in foster care for a specific duration. What is vital is the established legal relationship, which may range from formal to informal custody, granted through legal processes or recognized by child welfare agencies.
Such legal relationships ensure that caregivers who provide a stable and nurturing environment are supported, potentially including financial assistance, to meet the needs of the child in their care.