Kinship care, in its various forms, has become increasingly important in meeting the needs of children involved in the child welfare system. When children cannot remain safely with their parents, placement with relatives is the preferred option as it helps to maintain family connections and cultural traditions that can minimize the trauma of family separation. Find information written for relatives and kinship caregivers to help them care for their relatives' children, including State and local examples.
Grandfacts: State Fact Sheets for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children
Grandfamilies.org (2021)
Provides State-specific fact sheets, including information on kinship caregiver data, State programs and local resources, public benefits, educational assistance, legal information, and State laws. The website also includes national information along with resources for Washington, D.C.
Grandfamilies.org
Serves as a national legal resource in support of grandfamilies within and outside of the child welfare system. The organization works to educate individuals about State laws, legislation, and policy in support of grandfamilies and assist policymakers, advocates, caregivers, and others.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Provides insight into the challenges and benefits of raising grandchildren. Additionally, this resource provides helpful tips to better navigate parenting.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
HelpGuide.org (2018)
Provides information for grandparents and other kinship caregivers including resources on feelings, self-care, support, focusing on creating a stable environment, communication, parental visits, and more.
Kinship Care and the Child Welfare System
Kinship Care Toolkit
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports
Provides information on various subjects and having age-appropriate discussions. Additionally, interactive exercises are available for children in kinship care to help them express feelings and emotions.
Love Without Borders: Grandfamilies and Immigration (PDF - 3,325 KB)
Generations United (2019)
Highlights barriers faced by relatives caring for children while their parents are faced with detention or deportation.
Partnering With Relatives to Promote Reunification
State and local examples
Caregiver Resources
FosteringFamily
Provides training, assistance, and support for kinship caregivers.
Kinship Caregivers Guide: A Guide for Adults Who Are Caring for the Children of Relatives or Family Friends (PDF - 1,291 KB)
Vermont Department for Children & Families (2017)
Provides information for kinship caregivers in Vermont on programs and services available to help kinship families, legal issues, and resources that can be of assistance.
Kinship Manual (PDF - 2,971 KB)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (2018)
Handbook for relatives providing foster care for children in Texas. Also available in Spanish (PDF - 2,051 KB).
Kinship Resources
Kids Matter INC.
Lists resources that can assist kinship caregivers, such as grandparents raising their grandchildren, young adults raising younger siblings, and all forms of kinship families. The site also links to national organizations with information on kinship care.
State Guides and Manuals Results Kinship Care for Relatives and Kin
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Links to State publications that describe child welfare services and provide guidance to child welfare professionals and families.