Make a Childcare Plan
Planning for your child’s care in the event of an emergency is essential to ensuring their safety, stability, and well-being. A well-thought-out childcare plan helps protect your child’s future and provides peace of mind, knowing they will be cared for by someone you trust. This includes identifying a responsible adult to step in as a caregiver, securing the legal documents needed to formalize arrangements, and preparing your child with the resources they may need. By taking these steps, you can help your child navigate uncertain situations with as little disruption as possible.
Guardianship:
A guardianship allows someone to act for someone else. They cannot be created without an order by a judge. They are ordered when someone can no longer take care of themselves.
To file for guardianship, the Courts have a program called “OCAP”. It can be done in Spanish and OCAP will create all legal documents the person needs based on the answers that the applicant types into OCAP. There are detailed instructions in Spanish and English and some Courts allow pro se parties to file electronically through “MyCase”. Others will require that the documents be printed and filed at the courthouse. There will be a section to also prepare a motion and order for a fee waiver if the applicant cannot pay the filing fee.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a document that gives someone else the right to act for you. A POA can be used in a variety of scenarios, including giving another person the authority to care for and make decisions for your child.
The person with the power of attorney can, for example, pick up the child from school or take them to the doctor. This power of attorney is only valid for 6 months from the time of signing before a notary and can be renewed.
For information on Temporary Delegation of Parental Authority (Power of Attorney) click here. If you need further assistance with navigating applications or forms for guardianship or power of attorney, contact GRANDfamilies at 801-326-4409.
Forms
Where to get help:
Visit our legal resource page here
Securing Dual Citizenship and Passports for Your Child
If your child is a United States citizen, you can secure a U.S. passport for them, which will enable them to travel abroad. You may also inquire with your home country’s consulate as to whether or not they grant dual citizenship. If they do, you can secure dual citizenship for your child and apply for a passport from your home country as well.
U.S. Passports for Your Children
Steps to apply If your child is under 16 years of age:
Fill Out Form DS-11
Complete the DS-11 form for first-time applicants. Print the completed form but do not sign it until instructed at the application site.
Get Evidence of U.S. Citizenship
Provide an original and a photocopy of a document proving your child’s citizenship, such as a birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
Show Your Relationship to Your Child
Bring documentation, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, demonstrating your parental or legal guardian relationship.
Get a Photo ID
Present a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport) to the applying parent or guardian. Include photocopies of both the front and back of the ID.
Click here to view acceptable forms of identification
Provide Additional Documents (if necessary)
If both parents or guardians cannot appear in person, provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) from the non-applying parent or documentation of sole legal custody.
Provide a Passport Photo
Calculate Fees
Passport Book Only: $135
Passport Card Only: $50
Passport Book & Card: $150
Find a Location to Apply
Visit https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ to find the nearest station for you to apply
Update Emergency Contacts at Schools
It's crucial to keep your child's emergency contact information updated with their school to ensure they are cared for in any situation. Here’s what to do:
Identify Trusted Contacts: Choose people who can step in if you are unavailable, such as relatives, close friends, or community members.
Notify the School: Speak with your child’s teacher or school office staff about updating emergency contact forms. Ensure they know who is authorized to pick up your child and how to reach them.
Provide Accurate Information: Share current phone numbers, addresses, and any special instructions with the school.
Discuss Plans with Your Contacts: Make sure your emergency contacts understand their role, are comfortable stepping in and know your family’s preparedness plan.