This model law developed by the Hidden Foster Care Coalition was adopted and finalized by ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) on January 6, 2026. This model law sets clear legal guidelines to establish parameters and processes for short term arrangements that enable relatives and fictive kin to play constructive roles in caring for children during investigations when the alternative to these arrangements would be placement of the children into foster care. Model laws provide a legislative framework for states to implement at the state level.  

This brief written by Mike Hartman for the National Conference of State Legislatures explains the basics of what minor guardianship is and how many states have begun to reform their minor guardianship procedures, particularly in response to the increased need resulting from the opioid epidemic and the COIVD-19 Pandemic.

Casey Family Programs research brief summarizing state Guardianship Assistance Program policies and results of survey of state guardianship assistance experts. From January 2018.