Kinship Caregivers and the Child Welfare System

Informal and formal kinship care arrangements help to ensure stability and protection for children within their extended family. This describes the benefits of kinship care as a child protection alternative and examines the agency's responsibility for the placement. The placement decision-making process, what to expect from the child welfare service and court system, and financial support, available services, and permanency planning are discussed. Questions for new kin caregivers to ask and a list of additional references are provided.