Kinship Care: What the Research Tells Us
Join Chapin Hall and Generations United and its Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network for the first in a two-part series exploring kinship care— both within foster care and outside of that system.
Bridging Systems for Kinship Families
Applications Due by January 30, 2024
Application process closed: January 30, 2024
In late 2023, the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network (Network), the nation’s first and only national technical assistance center on kinship/grandfamilies, was thrilled to roll out a unique cross-system opportunity to work with the nation’s leading kinship experts.
After reviewing applications and conducting interviews to assess readiness and commitment, the Network selected Idaho and San Diego County, and our partner NICWA selected the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.
Work began in spring 2024 in all three jurisdictions by co-developing each site’s goals and action plans for cross-system collaboration. The sites have been focused on collaborating across government systems and community-based organizations, with the ultimate purpose of better serving all kinship families, whether they are involved in the child welfare system or not. The work is addressing service barriers and leveraging community assets to maximize support of these families.
The Network’s team is supporting each jurisdiction:
- Optimize the effectiveness of 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.
- Assess the work through the Network’s evaluation partner, Child Trends.
In year three, Network and Child Trends staff are documenting the work we have done together and creating a replication toolkit for others. The toolkit will be released on this website in late September 2026. Please stay tuned.
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How Washington State Is Reshaping Kin Search and Engagement
Join us for a conversation with Geene Delaplane and Chelsea Griffin of Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), who have been leading the state's efforts to strengthen support for kin caregivers involved in the child welfare system.