Kinship care is the full-time parenting of a child or children by a relative or a close connection to the child. This includes grandparents raising grandchildren, aunts and uncles raising family members, adult siblings caring for younger siblings, and more. Kinship care can extend beyond biological ties to include close family friends and neighbors, offering a wide network of care for the child.
At its core, kinship care provides children with a sense of belonging, helping them stay within familiar family circles and maintain connections to those who love and understand them. It promotes emotional security and allows children to retain their ties to extended family, siblings, and their community. These connections are vital to reinforcing a child’s sense of identity and self-esteem.
Kinship care helps children feel connected to their family, which positively impacts their emotional and psychological development. By staying within the family unit, children are more likely to feel secure, loved, and valued. Children in kinship care are more likely to have a stronger sense of who they are and where they come from, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
Research shows that children placed with relatives tend to exhibit fewer behavioral challenges. The familiarity and support of family members provide stability, which can make the child’s adjustment easier.
Children placed with relatives have a more positive outlook on their placement and experience fewer disruptions in their care. They are less likely to face multiple placements, which enhances their sense of safety and security.
Furthermore, kinship care often allows children to remain with their siblings, which can reduce feelings of isolation and stress. Importantly, kinship caregivers benefit from having a support system composed of extended family and close family friends. This network can be invaluable in providing emotional, financial, and social sup-port for both the child and the caregiver.
Overall, kinship care not only helps maintain children’s family bonds but also contributes to their healing and growth. Kinship care offers children a stable, familiar environ-ment with strong emotional support. By keeping children within their family circle, kinship care ensures they maintain connections to their roots, building a foundation for a stronger sense of self and a better future.