Becoming a kinship care provider can be challenging for everyone involved. Often, the decision to have your kin come live with you has to be made in a hurry. Then, to complicate matters, you may have a deep affection for the child's parents, making it heartbreaking to assume the role of a primary caregiver due to the difficult circumstances they face. The child being cared for also faces struggles while adjusting to significant life changes. Navigating through these complexities requires careful attention and effort.
Kinship care programs offer valuable resources and services that help address the unique needs and challenges of kin caregivers. These programs aim to create a supportive environment for both you and the children in your care.
Click each common challenge to find out how the Kinship Care Program helps address those unique challenges.
Financial Assistance : Alleviate some of the financial strain experienced by kinship care families. This support enables caregivers to provide for the child's basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, and educational expenses.
Counseling and Emotional Support : Offer resources for counseling and support services, recognizing the emotional and psychological challenges that kinship care providers may encounter. These services provide a safe space to express your concerns, seek guidance, and develop effective strategies for addressing the child's emotional well-being.
Legal Guidance : Help families understand the requirements of obtaining legal custody and provide guidance on understanding and exercising visitation with parents.
Educational Support Services : Facilitate access to educational support services, advocating for the child's educational needs and ensuring they receive appropriate schooling and academic resources. This assistance helps promote stability and continuity in the child's educational journey.
Access to healthcare : Assist families in accessing healthcare services for the child in your care, ensuring your medical needs are met. They may provide information on health insurance options, facilitate appointments, and connect families with healthcare providers.
Training & Workshops : Offer training sessions and workshops to equip caregivers with valuable parenting skills, strategies for dealing with trauma, and information on available resources. These educational opportunities empower caregivers to better meet the needs of the child in your care.
Access to Community Resources : Connect families with community resources and services that can further support your specific needs. This may include access to food banks, legal aid, housing assistance, and other social services.
Overall, kinship care programs play a crucial role in empowering kinship care families, offering a comprehensive range of support services that address your financial, emotional, legal, and educational needs. Through these programs, you can find the necessary assistance and guidance to navigate your caregiving journey and provide a stable and nurturing environment for the children in your care.
Therapist and trainer Dr. Joseph Crumbley hosts a series of sessions discussing how to cope with the unique challenges of Kinship Care.
Kinship Care - Inquiry Form