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Chapter: 1400 Technical Requirements Program: MFAM 19 1430.0802 Definition of Parent/Caretaker Relative (MFAM) The individual with whom the child resides must be related to the child as specified in the following groups:

1. the mother; 2. father (legal or biological);

Note: When there is both a legal and biological father, the biological (natural) father is considered a caretaker relative rather than a parent.

3. blood relatives, including those of half-blood, within the relationship of siblings, first cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and individuals of preceding generations as denoted by prefixes of grand, great, great-great, or great-great-great. This group includes relatives within the fifth degree of kinship to the dependent child; therefore, this includes first cousins once removed (children of first cousins), but not second cousins; 4. stepfather, stepmother, stepbrother, and stepsister (The parent of the stepparent does not meet this degree of relationship.); 5. an individual who legally adopts a child or the child's parent, as well as the natural and other legally adopted children and other relatives of the adoptive parents; and 6. legal spouses of any individuals named in the above groups even though the marriage terminated by death or divorce.

Note: A child's adoption severs his legal ties to his biological parents; however, it does not terminate his blood relationship to his family. Even after adoption, the biological parents and relatives continue to meet the specified degree of relationship. However, the parents of the child are considered relatives, not parents. 1430.0803 Verifying Parenthood/Caretaker Relationship (MFAM) The mother, legal father, maternal relatives and relatives of the legal father must provide sufficient information to explain their exact relationship to the child. The verbal statement of the individual is sufficient unless questioned. For a natural biological father, or his relatives, make a non-judicial determination of paternal relationship and record this information. Any two of the following sources may be used to substantiate this relationship:

1. Birth certificate(s) containing the name(s) of the alleged parent(s) through which the relationship exists. If the natural, biological father requests or receives assistance, the birth certificate of the child is sufficient. If a relative of the natural (biological) father requests or receives assistance, the relative must also produce a birth certificate showing his relationship to the father. 2. Written or oral statements verifying paternal relationship from individuals who have personal knowledge of the blood relationship. These statements may be from a natural or legal parent, friend or relative. Record the name, address, and telephone number (if available) of the individual giving the statement, and an explanation of their knowledge of the blood relationship. 3. Other verification or documentation that verifies the alleged relationship. 1430.0804 Sources of Verification (MFAM) The following sources of verification may be used when the information is insufficient to explain the relationship or if a non-judicial determination of paternal relationship is necessary:

1. Birth certificates of the child, relative, and intermediary relatives; 2. Marriage licenses, divorce records or other court records which specify the relationship; 3. Adoption papers;