Many relative caregivers’ stories begin the same way—a phone call asking if they would be willing to care for and support a child in their extended family who is in need. That phone call may have been unexpected, or it may have been something that they knew would eventually happen. Regardless, more than 2.4 million children have been placed with relatives who have answered that phone call with a “yes.” It is currently estimated that 3% of all children in the United States are in the care of a relative.
Every September, the Coalition recognizes National Kinship Care Month. Kinship care (also known as relative caregiving) refers to grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, adult siblings, members of tribes and clans, and other adults who provide caregiving support to children and youth. Thank you to those of you providing kinship care! You are making a difference in the lives of the children you love and care for.
A grandmother who is experienced in kinship care shares the following advice: “Take it one day at a time. Don’t get caught up thinking about what life could be like next year or five years from now. You are not alone, and you have the most important job in the whole world—making a positive difference in this child’s life! Would I do it again? Yes, a million times over.”
If you are struggling with the pressures of this responsibility, understand that it is okay to ask for help and that resources are available from the Coalition. We appreciate you for committing to being there for children and youth who need a safe, secure, and loving home.
Recommended Resources
From the Resource Library
- Virtual Resource Kit: Relative Caregiving
Training From Champion Classrooms
Inspiration & Hope From No Matter What Families
Additional Resource
