Kinship Caregiving

Relatives raising the child(ren) of a family member (Kinship Families)

Kinship families are families in which children live with and are being raised by grandparents, other extended family members, or other adults with whom they have a close family-like relationship such as close family friends. Many kinship caregivers don’t necessarily think of themselves that way–it’s natural to step in and raise children when the parents can’t. Even though most of the challenges that come with raising children are the same for a kinship family, there is an important difference. Kinship caregivers do not have automatic legal rights and responsibilities for the children. Raising children when they are not the child’s parent was not necessarily planned or expected. It’s often related to a family crisis, and the child welfare system is not always involved.

Kinship caregivers can often use help with all of the practical issues surrounding a suddenly larger family: large enough housing, paying for the extra food, ensuring medical care, and registering children at a different school. Legal issues may come up–powers of attorney to get things done, custody, guardianship of the children, parental rights and visitation.

There is help available! Kinship caregivers can get help with:

• Health insurance and health care
• Financial assistance (including food)
• Other public benefits
• Contact information for your regional Kinship and Tribal Navigators (people who can direct you to resources) WA State AAA and Tribal Kinship Navigator Contacts (as of May 2023)
• Legal assistance
• Tax credits
• Schooling–especially if the child or children are now in a new school district
• Support groups where other kinship caregivers share concerns, experiences, and ideas

Here are three FactSheets you can read online, download, and print, courtesy of The Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network:

MORE HELP:

If the child or children have a disability or special health care need:

PAVE Family Voices of Washington Get Help (works for both programs)

If the child may be experiencing a developmental delay, or you have concerns about that:

“Developmental Screening (Birth to Three and Medically needed developmental screening)”

If the child’s special education needs are not being met: Get Help

If you need a break (respite): Lifespan Respite WA