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This course provides kinship caregivers with a clear, practical overview of the legal relationships that define their rights and responsibilities when caring for a child in Ohio. Learners explore what kinship care is, why legal status matters, and how different options—ranging from temporary tools like a Grandparent Power of Attorney to more permanent arrangements like legal custody or adoption—are established. The course also explains the major legal pathways, including Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency (AND) cases and private custody cases, so caregivers can better understand their options and where to seek support.

There are two versions of this course that are accessible from the left menu. The video version is guided by an attorney from the Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati. The full course version expands upon the video and provides additional practical information for caregivers of youth in Ohio. You only need to complete one version to receive credit for completing the course. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the main types of legal relationships available to kinship caregivers in Ohio.
• Explain how court involvement—or the absence of it—shapes a caregiver’s legal options.
• Identify the pathways through which legal relationships are created, including AND cases and private custody cases.
• Recognize when temporary or less formal legal tools may be appropriate.
• Recognize how legal status affects access to benefits and when to seek legal guidance.