What is a kinship caregiver?
Kinship caregivers are relatives or family friends who become caregivers for children who need to be removed from their parents due to abuse, neglect, or other concerns. These caregivers are an essential part of the child welfare system. They basically provide foster care to family members!
If you become a kinship caregiver, you’ll provide:
- A safe and loving home for a child or children in need
- A sense of familiarity, stability, and continuity
- Physical care and emotional support
You may also support:
- A child’s connection with their biological family
- Work toward family reunification or a permanent placement with you or others
The rewards of kinship care
Children being cared for by relatives or family friends get a sense of continuity and stability in a familiar environment. This can reduce the trauma of being removed from their biological parents.
Kin caregivers find it deeply fulfilling to offer a safe and nurturing environment and be part of a child’s healing and growth. It also provides an opportunity to create new bonds, maintain family connections, and support the child’s future.