Kinship care is when a relative or close family friend provides care for a child who cannot remain safely with their parents. Research shows that children in kinship care have better outcomes than those placed with non-relatives.
Types of Kinship Care
Informal Kinship Care
A private arrangement between family members without involvement from child welfare. The caregiver has no legal custody.
Voluntary Kinship Care
The family works with the county to place the child with a relative. The county may provide some support services.
Formal Kinship Foster Care
The kinship caregiver becomes a licensed foster parent. This provides the most financial support and services.
Benefits of Kinship Care
- Children maintain connections to their family, culture, and community
- Less traumatic than placement with strangers
- Siblings are more likely to stay together
- Children experience greater stability and well-being
- Supports eventual reunification with parents
Support for Kinship Caregivers
Colorado provides various supports for kinship caregivers, including financial assistance, legal aid, support groups, and respite care. Contact your county department of human services to learn about available resources.
Are You a Kinship Caregiver?
Contact your county department of human services for support and resources.
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