September is National Kinship Care Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the families who step up to provide love, stability, and safety for children when their parents are unable to care for them.
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care is when relatives or close family friends take in children whose parents are going through difficult circumstances. These caregivers are often grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even older siblings. In some cases, the caregiver may not be related by blood but still has a strong, family-like bond with the child. This is called fictive kin—a trusted family friend, mentor, or godparent who steps in to care for the child.
Kinship placements can arise when parents face challenges such as illness, financial struggles, substance use, or other hardships. Instead of children entering a foster home, kinship care provides children with the opportunity to remain connected to their family, culture, and community while their parents work toward stability.
The Strengths of Kinship Placements
Kinship care has unique benefits that support a child’s well-being, including:
- Family connection: Children stay rooted in their family tree, maintaining relationships with siblings, cousins, and extended relatives.
- Shared history and culture: Kids are more likely to grow up surrounded by familiar traditions, language, and customs.
- Emotional stability: Living with someone they already know and trust often helps children adjust more smoothly during a difficult time.
- Proximity to the familiar: Many children remain in their same schools, neighborhoods, and communities, preserving important parts of their daily lives.
How We Support Kinship Families
At CK Family Services, we are proud to support kinship families every step of the way. We serve hundreds of families who courageously open their homes to care for children in need. Our team provides resources, training, and guidance to help these caregivers navigate the child welfare system and meet the unique needs of the children in their care.
Support doesn’t stop with services—it’s also about helping families build strong, everyday connections. One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to bond is by sharing a story together. Reading can open doors to conversation, comfort, and understanding, especially for children adjusting to a new home.
Here are a few books that celebrate kinship families and diverse family connections:
Dance Just Like So by Annemarie Anang
Is That Your Mama by Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen
Cub by Jonty Howley
Sometimes it's Grandmas and Grandpas: Not Mommies and Daddies by Gayle Byrne
Our Gracie Aunt by Jacqueline Woodson
* Note: We encourage caregivers to review these titles first to ensure the content and themes are a good fit for the children in your care.
A Story of Kinship Care in Action
At CK Family Services, we see the strength and love of kinship families every day. This summer, one of those stories reminded us of the power of family ties.
"We had a grandma adopt her grandson a couple weeks before his 18th birthday. We had a tight deadline to get her verified and get the adoption completed. The grandma is an amazing woman, and it was such a joy working with her and the team, and then getting to attend the adoption ceremony!"
— Shared by Shannon Martin, Family Recruitment Specialist
Kinship Verification
Kinship families who choose to become verified through Child Protective Services gain access to financial reimbursement and other vital state services. This added support helps ensure that caregivers can continue to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children.
If you would like additional information about being verified as a Kinship Care provider, please reach out to us here: CK FAMILY SERVICES. Additionally, our Children's Mental and Behavioral Health program offers Skills Training and Mental Health Case Management to help children who are struggling. Learn more or refer a child here: CMBH
To all kinship caregivers: thank you for stepping in with open hearts and strong arms. You make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.
