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What is Kinship Care

Kinship care refers to any time a child is being cared for by relatives or close family friends known to the child (often referred to as fictive kin). Relatives are the first choice when children cannot live with their birth parents because it keeps the child connected to family and makes the separation from their parents less traumatic.

Kinship Care helps:

• Preserve family history and connections
• Preserve security and stability
• Diverts children from foster care
• Maintain cultural and community ties
• Support emotional well-being
• Reduce trauma and stress
• Offer greater stability for sibling relationships
  
  

Are you a Kinship Caregiver?

Why is Kinship Care Important?

The law states that children must be in the most appropriate and least restrictive environment possible, which is typically a family-like setting. Kinship care offers numerous advantages compared to other types of out-of-home care for children.

Learn More About Kinship Care

Common Challenges That Kinship Caregivers Face

Common challenges that kinship caregivers face and the resources available to help them address those challenges.

FAQ

A list of questions that are commonly asked by our Kinship Care families.

Informal vs Formal Kinship Care

Learn the differences between the two basic types of Kinship Care, Informal and Formal, and the benefits available for each type.

Licensing Process & Requirements

The process and requirements to become a licensed kinship care provider.

Getting to Know Us

Get to know the kinship care program staff.

Resources

Resources available for Kinship Care families.