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Capacity Building

CENTER FOR STATES

Kinship care

Explore the stories of grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and family friends as they make life adjustments to step into the role of kinship caregivers. Gain a deeper understanding of the support they need to navigate the child welfare system and negotiate the complex dual roles they play to provide stability and normalcy for the children in their care, some with special needs. Hear from kinship navigators, administrators, case workers, family finders, and peer mentors who help connect children, youth, caregivers, and parents to the support and resources they need.

Find kinship care stories that best meet your needs by selecting filters on the left and use them with activities from the discussion guide to build understanding and connections between people as you advocate, inspire, support, recruit, train, and coach individuals and teams.

Showing 6 - 10 of 21 Voices of Lived Experience Stories
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This video highlights the story of a family specialist in Ohio who partners with families to identify safe and healthy kinship connections that empower children, youth, and families.

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This video highlights the story of a grandmother's experience as a kinship caregiver and her work managing the Kinship Connections peer mentor program in Rhode Island.

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This video highlights the story of a case manager for the South Carolina Department of Social Services and her work identifying and licensing kinship caregivers for children in care.

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This video highlights the work of the Deputy Commissioner of the New York foster care system and the kinship care strategies her agency implements.

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This video highlights the story of a foster care specialist and how her experience with her grandparents’ care helps her support and guide kinship caregivers.