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Bridging Systems for Kinship Families

BRIDGING SYSTEMS FOR KINSHIP FAMILIES above an image of a bridge and the logo for the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network: A National Technical Assistance Center

“Bridging Systems for Kinship Families” (Bridging Systems) is a Network initiative that created three replicable models of successful cross-system collaboration — all on behalf of, and alongside, kinship families. Bridging Systems was designed in response to the common challenge that services for kinship families are in silos that limit their ability to effectively support the families.

For over two years, we worked with Idaho, the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and the County of San Diego, California, to leverage, streamline, and maximize community assets for all kinship families, whether involved in the child welfare system or not.

The result is three evidence-informed models of cross-system work that other jurisdictions can learn from and replicate: a state model for states that administer social services statewide, a county model for counties that administer social services, and a Tribal Nation.

To scale this impactful work, we’ve created a Replication Toolkit, with our partners at Child Trends.

We are also opening an opportunity for states that administer social services statewide to be part of a work group of 3 to 4 similar states that will learn the steps for adapting and implementing the state model. Applications are due January 15, 2027 by midnight Pacific Time. Learn more and apply here.

In fall 2027, we will make a similar opportunity available to Tribes, and in fall 2028, to counties administering their own human services.

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