Bridging Systems for Kinship Families

Application process closed:  January 30, 2024

Overview

The Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network (Network), the nation’s first federally funded technical assistance center for those who serve grandparents and other kin caregivers and the children they raise, was thrilled to roll out a unique opportunity to work with the nation’s leading experts on kinship families, all free of charge. After reviewing applications and conducting interviews, the Network selected Idaho and San Diego County– and Network experts are providing in-depth support to each. The support is focused on goals identified by the lead agencies and their partners related to collaboration across government systems and nonprofit service providers, with the ultimate purpose of better serving all kinship families, whether they are involved in the child welfare system or not. The Network is helping project teams collaborate effectively to address service barriers and leverage resources to maximize support of these families.  

Idaho and San Diego County are benefiting from the expertise of the Network and its parent organization, Generations United, as well as the Network’s five partner agencies – the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), USAging, ZERO TO THREE, and Child Trends. For example, USAging can help you engage Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Title VI Native American Aging programs and NICWA can assist with building your jurisdiction’s capacity to collaborate with tribes. In addition to experts at the partner agencies, the Network has a cadre of subject matter experts to support you.

Work began by discussing the jurisdiction’s goals and co-developing an action plan for cross-system collaboration with the Network’s partners and subject matter experts. Taking a cross-systems approach and working toward your identified goals, the Network’s team is supporting each jurisdiction:

• Optimize the effectiveness of your programs and services for kinship families, such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)/Native American Caregiver Support Program (NACSP) services, Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) supports, child welfare system services, and kinship navigator programs.
• Amplify the voices of those with lived experience in a kinship family (lived experts) to shape programs, services, and systems.

Throughout the project, Child Trends will assess and evaluate the project. In year three, 2026, Network staff, with each site’s input and approval, will document the work we have done together as part of this project and elevate your site’s work so others can replicate it. They will receive national recognition as a jurisdiction that works across systems to support grandparents and other kin who raise children.

Please note the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), a Network partner, had a separate application to work with one tribe or tribal organization. That application was due March 18, 2024 and can be found here.

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