Frequently Asked Questions About Kinship Care
If you are a current kinship care provider or know someone caring for a kinship child you may have questions about how our kinship navigation services can help. See our frequently asked questions below, or contact us directly.
FAQs
What is Kinship Care?
Are you raising your grandchild, either permanently or temporarily?
Are you parenting your younger siblings, nieces/nephews, or another relative’s child?
Are you caring for a godchild or child of a close friend?
All of these situations are called “kinship care.” Kinship care exists to keep children safely within their extended families when their birth parents are unable to care for them. Wayfinder’s kinship navigation program focuses on assisting relative caregivers and family friends who are working to strengthen their families and protect the children in their care.
Why is Kinship Support Needed?
Raising a grandchild, niece/nephew, younger sibling or another relative’s child can be stressful. Wayfinder’s kinship navigation program provides support and information to caregivers to help assist with the accessibility of resources and helps families work with the systems involved in a child’s life – medical, mental health, school. Our supports connect families with other kinship caregivers and help children get involved in youth activities and recreation to ensure they are provided with a safe, healthy environment and nurturing relationships.
How Do I Enroll in Kinship Services?
If you are currently caring for a kin child, you can contact Wayfinder’s local kinship center by phone, email or walk-in directly to request services (see locations tab). You can also contact your local county’s child welfare department to request kinship services. County staff should be able to connect you with a local kinship provider. If you are a kinship family receiving services in another Wayfinder program and reside in one of the counties where we offer kinship services, you can request kinship services from Wayfinder staff.
How Long Can I Receive Services?
Duration of services depends on the needs of the family. A family can be enrolled in services and supports from a few months to 2 years, or longer. If a family enrolls in in-home support/case management services, the case management generally lasts from 3 to 6 months. Families who are enrolled in other core services, such as support groups, information & referrals, family activities & events, and kinship related trainings generally participate for years. Families are eligible for services as long as they continue to be a primary caregiver for the kinship child in their home.
How Much Do Kinship Care Services Cost?
Our services are completely free to kinship families. We are contracted by several counties to provide local kinship navigation support services to families residing in the area.
Where Are Kinship Services Provided?
Wayfinder’s kinship services are provided in the most convenient location for the families we serve, including at a family home or Wayfinder’s offices. We have local kinship offices, often referred to as kinship centers, which are safe and easily accessible to caregivers and families. Each of our kinship programs also provide virtual options for access to services, including options such as Zoom meetings for family support/care-management, support groups, and events when required or requested.
Child Trends, with Wayfinder Family Services, conducted a study to learn more about experiences with kinship caregiving.