(a) The children to be placed must be in the managing conservatorship of DFPS.
(b) The caregiver must:
  (1) be related to the children or have a longstanding and significant relationship with the children or the family of the children;
  (2) be formally approved by DFPS as a caregiver;
  (3) sign and abide by a written caregiver assistance agreement, which includes a commitment to:
    (A) be available as a continuing placement for the children for at least six months;
    (B) participate in specialized kinship training as recommended and provided by DFPS;
    (C) comply with DFPS requirements limiting or facilitating contact between the parents and the children;
    (D) apply for other forms of assistance, including financial and medical, for which the children may be eligible; and
    (E) comply with any other child specific requirements or limitations; and
  (4) not be a licensed or verified foster home or group foster home.
(c) Caregivers with a family income greater than 300% of poverty, as determined by federal poverty guidelines, are not eligible for cash assistance under §700.1005 of this title (relating to What types of cash assistance are available to eligible caregivers?).
(d) If a caregiver enters into a caregiver assistance agreement under this subchapter with the intent to defraud or deceive DFPS, the caregiver may be subject to civil or criminal penalties as provided in §264.7551, Texas Family Code.

Source Note: The provisions of this §700.1003 adopted to be effective December 1, 2005, 30 TexReg 7486; amended to be effective September 1, 2017, 42 TexReg 4309; amended to be effective August 24, 2020, 45 TexReg 5933