September is recognized as National Kinship Care Month, a time to acknowledge and support families who have stepped in to care for their relatives’ children. In Ohio, approximately 124,000 children are being raised by relatives or close family friends, known as kinship caregivers. While most children in kinship families are in “informal” kinship placements and not involved in the child welfare system, the county public children services agencies often also rely on kin to care for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. As of July 2021, there were 3,872 children in Ohio placed in kinship care by county children services agencies. (Policy Matters Ohio, 2021)

While out-of-home placements are sometimes necessary to ensure the safety of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, the removal from their familiar environment can be deeply traumatic. While until recently, children have been placed primarily in foster homes with caregivers without a biological connection to them, by listening to the voices of those with lived experience, we now realize the importance of maintaining relative connections and relational permanency through kinship care. These agency-involved placements are what are referred to as “formal” kinship care placements.

Kinship care is unique because it provides children with a sense of identity and belonging, preserving connections with relatives and close friends. However, despite their crucial role, kinship caregivers often receive less support than non-kinship caregivers. As Alyssa Lombardo, one of our OhioKAN Navigators described, "There is a big gap between foster and adoptive families and kinship families. Kinship families are often left behind... they're essentially doing the foster parent job, but they're just not getting compensated."

This lack of support can be especially challenging for kinship caregivers, who may be older adults on fixed incomes. Many grandparents find themselves unexpectedly raising their grandchildren, often with little to no financial assistance. "A lot of times, kids get placed with a grandparent... a senior citizen who was not expecting to have little kids in their home," shared Alyssa. These caregivers take on the responsibility out of love, but the financial and emotional strain can be overwhelming.

Support networks play a vital role in helping kinship caregivers navigate these challenges. Organizations like OhioKAN are essential in providing resources and guidance to kinship families. As Alyssa explained, "My primary job is to be available for families who call in and to support them and help find available resources to take out the guesswork and stabilize their situation." This support can range from connecting families with financial assistance programs to providing information on legal guardianship and helping them access necessary resources like food, clothing, and school supplies.

Adoption Network Cleveland also supports kinship families through direct services tailored to their unique needs. Our Family Ties Program provides one-on-one support, monthly groups, educational opportunities, and peer network building, focusing on family strengths and helping parents and caregivers gain the tools and knowledge needed to support their children. The program also offers social activities, information, referrals, and personal advocacy to help families thrive.

Our Family Resilience Fund provides financial assistance to kinship caregivers, along with adoptive parents and foster care alumni, helping them navigate short-term financial challenges and focus on creating stable, permanent homes for their children. Additionally, our Helpline offers compassionate, informed support for those seeking guidance on adoption, foster, or kinship care-related questions.

National Kinship Care Month is not only a time to recognize the dedication of kinship caregivers but also an opportunity to elevate their voices. These caregivers are often the unsung heroes, stepping in during times of crisis to provide stability and love to children who might otherwise be placed in the foster care system. By listening to their stories and understanding their challenges, we can better support them and advocate for the resources they need.

This September, we encourage you to learn more about the experiences of kinship caregivers and consider how you can support them. Whether through volunteering, donating to organizations that assist kinship families, or supporting kinship caregivers you already know in your community, your efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of these families.

Recommended Reading for National Kinship Care Month:

• Seven Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency by Sharon Kaplan Roszia & Allison Davis Maxon, 2019 — A comprehensive guide to promoting understanding and healing in adoption, foster care, kinship families and third-party reproduction.
   
• Grandmothering While Black: A Twenty-First Century Story of Love, Coercion, and Survival by LaShawnda L. Pittman, 2023 — Explore the complex lives of Black grandmothers raising their grandchildren in skipped-generation households (consisting only of grandparents and grandchildren).
   
• Reflections: Stories of Foster Care from Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2024 — Hear tips from youth, parents, foster parents, caseworkers, and other individuals with direct, firsthand experience with the child welfare system on how to best engage children and youth, help them develop lifelong connections and supports, and help them build a strong foundation that will unlock possibilities for future success.  

Policy Matters Ohio. (2021). Kinship care in Ohio: Challenges and recommendations. https://www.policymattersohio.org/files/assets/kinshipcare.pdf