Fostering Family
When children can no longer live with their parents, family often steps in. These kinship caregivers—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family—provide vital stability and love. However, they also face unique challenges, often taking on this responsibility unexpectedly. Navigating complex legal and emotional landscapes while simultaneously providing care can be overwhelming. Our program is designed to wrap around these families with support, resources, and guidance, recognizing their crucial role in a child’s life.
Kinship caregivers often experience a range of difficulties. They may face financial strain, lack of access to essential services, and the emotional toll of the circumstances that brought the child into their care. They often experience grief and loss themselves while supporting the child through their trauma. These challenges highlight the need for targeted support and resources for kinship families.
Our program offers comprehensive services designed to empower kinship caregivers and create stability for the children in their care. We believe in a holistic approach, addressing the diverse needs of these families. We link families to essential resources, including financial assistance programs, legal aid and guidance, healthcare access, educational support, and respite care. We strive to ensure families can access the fundamental tools they need to thrive.
We also provide training & education tailored to the specific needs of kinship caregivers. This includes training on trauma-informed care, child development and behavior management, legal rights and responsibilities, and effective communication and parenting skills. Equipping caregivers with this knowledge empowers them to provide the best possible care for the children in their lives.
Furthermore, we facilitate support groups where kinship caregivers can connect with others facing similar experiences. These groups offer invaluable peer support, a chance to share stories, and a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation. We also recognize the emotional impact of kinship care and offer access to therapeutic services for caregivers and children, including individual and family therapy.