Washington State law now allows adults raising a relative's child to consent to medical and mental health care – services even if you don't have legal custody.
For more in-depth information about this law, read A Kinship Caregiver's Guide to Consenting to Health Care from Washington Law Help website. A brochure Consent to Health Care for the Child in Your Care (PDF) is also available on the topic. Both documents have a sample declaration form.
Relative caregivers involved with Children's Administration still must have a court order to consent to surgery for a child placed with them through the Division of Children and Family Services.
See the Legal Issues section for more information about finding and getting legal advice.
Page Topic:
Kinship Care - Health Care