Kinship care gives children in need a chance to stay with their extended families. But what are the benefits for children? Find out in our blog!
Foster care gives children in need a loving space to thrive when their parents aren’t able to care for them.
In many cases, the goal is to reunite children with their parents when it’s possible. If it isn’t, then foster parents can provide the love and care that children need.
However, there is another option to keep children with their extended families: kinship care.
Kinship care is a special case where a family member, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or even an older sibling, takes care of a child when their parents aren’t able to.
This can happen for various reasons — like when a parent is sick, facing challenges, or can't provide a safe home.
Kinship care is more common than you might think. In the United States alone, almost 2.5 million children are living with relatives who are their caregivers. This unique form of care ensures that children remain connected to their families while receiving the love and support they need.
So, what makes kinship care ideal for children?
Here are some of the main benefits for children in kinship care.
One of the most significant benefits of kinship care is the stability it provides.
Imagine you're a child facing uncertain times, and suddenly, you find yourself living with someone you know and trust, like your grandma or your aunt.
You get to stay in a familiar place, go to the same school, and keep your friends — as long as this relative lives in the same area.
This consistency can make a major difference in how safe and secure a child in care feels, even when things are tough!
Kinship caregivers are not just providers of food and shelter; they are also emotional anchors.
These amazing family members offer love, care, and someone to talk to when children are struggling with big emotions or questions about life. Having a caring adult who listens and understands is important for children in care, helping them navigate difficult times and build their self-esteem.
Kinship care also has an impact on behavioral health — children in kinship care have fewer behavioral problems years after placement.
Family is an important part of who we are.
When children are in kinship care, they often continue to be part of their cultural traditions and family celebrations. Whether it's celebrating cultural holidays, learning about family history, or simply knowing where they come from, this connection helps children form a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Research shows that children in kinship care tend to do better in school than those in other forms of care.
Think about it: when you're not worried about where you'll sleep at night or whether there will be enough to eat, you can focus better on your studies.
Kinship caregivers often provide the stability children need to do well in school. They can help with homework, go to parent-teacher meetings, and help with learning.
Another important part of kinship care is keeping siblings together.
In many kinship care situations, siblings can stay together. Brothers and sisters who have been through life's tough times together can continue to support and comfort each other, which is very important for their emotional well-being.
As a provider of foster care services, kinship care is one of our specialties — Mentor Foster Care, a part of Sevita’s companies, give support to children and families.
Discover how Mentor Foster Care can make kinship care as easy as possible.
Keeping children in care within their family is important, and that’s what kinship care provides. Learn more about how kinship care works in our blog!
As foster parents, the words we choose to use with children in care are important. Here are 7 things you should never say to a child in care!
Foster care and adoption are two important parts of providing children in care with a loving home environment. Learn how they differ in our blog.