Step and half relationships are considered the same as blood relationships.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Specified
• D. Only for First-Degree

Answer: (A)

In kinship-based placement decisions, the policy treats step and half relationships as kin in the same way as blood relationships. This means a child may be placed with a step-relative or a half-sibling if that arrangement serves the child’s best interests, and these relationships carry the same weight as full blood relatives when determining eligibility for relative placement and related services. The goal is to recognize and preserve existing family support networks and the stability they can provide, even when the connection isn’t through full biology. In this context, the statement is true; just be sure to consult the exact policy language for specifics in real cases.