Every September, Kinship Month shines a light on the incredible relatives and close family friends who step in when children need a safe, stable home. For many children entering foster care, being placed with someone they already know, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings or trusted family friends, can make all the difference during a time of uncertainty.
Imagine a 10-year-old suddenly leaving their home, unsure where they’ll go next. Instead of being placed with strangers, they walk into their grandmother’s house—the same one they’ve visited every Sunday for dinner. The smells are familiar. Their favorite blanket is still on the couch. That sense of belonging can be the first step toward stability and healing.
Kinship care is more than just providing a place to live. It’s about preserving relationships, traditions and a child’s sense of identity. It’s about making sure a child feels anchored to the people and history that matter most to them.
Why Kinship Care Matters
For children who have experienced trauma, sudden separation from their parents can be overwhelming. Staying with relatives or close family friends eases some of the fear and disruption. It allows them to:
- Remain in familiar neighborhoods or schools
- Continue participating in cultural or family traditions
- Maintain connections with siblings and extended relatives
These connections can play a key role in building resilience and helping children heal.
The Role of Kinship Caregivers
Kinship caregivers often take on parenting unexpectedly. Overnight, they may find themselves juggling school enrollment, medical appointments, court hearings, and emotional support—sometimes while still working full-time or raising their own children.
It’s a selfless act of love, but it can also come with unique challenges. That’s why TFI partners with kinship families to provide the same level of training, resources and support that we offer to foster families. Whether navigating the child welfare system, connecting to financial assistance or simply having someone to call with questions, no caregiver should have to go it alone.
How You Can Help Kinship Families
You can make a difference even if you’re not a kinship caregiver. Consider:
- Offering practical support, like carpooling, babysitting or helping with errands
- Donating school supplies, clothing or gift cards for groceries
- Volunteering with organizations that provide resources to kinship caregivers
Your support helps these families continue doing what they do best—loving and caring for children who need them.
Opening Your Heart and Home
Some kinship caregivers choose to become a foster family so they can continue providing long-term care. Others may move toward adoption when it’s in the child’s best interest. If you’ve ever thought about stepping into this role yourself, now is the perfect time to learn more.
At TFI, we believe every child deserves the safety and stability of family—whether through kinship care or foster care. This Kinship Month, we celebrate those who keep family connections strong and invite you to join us in ensuring every child has a place to belong.
