By Amy Dennis
Kinship Caregiver Program Specialist
Sometimes the biological parents of a child are unable or unwilling to raise their child. This can be for a variety of reasons. When this is the case, family members often step up to care for their relative’s children, keeping them with family and out of foster care.
What is a kinship caregiver?
In essence, a kinship caregiver is a blood-relative who is raising another relative’s child, full-time. Most often. kinship caregivers are grandparents raising their grandchildren, but there are many aunts and uncles who have taken in their nephews and nieces, or even adult siblings raising younger siblings.
How can this program support a kinship caregiver?
The Kinship Caregiver Program is a community-based program, which means we work to provide support that honors the communities we serve throughout Snohomish County, taking into account the individual experiences, family and culture of each household.
With this in mind, the Kinship Program offers support groups for the caregivers; limited financial resources to those who qualify, and information and referral resources, including navigating systems such as DSHS, CPS, IEP’s, court and legal options, state supports and special needs services, as well as referrals to other provider agencies.
As the issues facing kinship families are ever-changing, we do our best to keep up with the needs and trends. So, don’t be surprised to hear us say, “We may not have the answer right now, but we will walk with you in getting the answer.”
What other resources are available for Kinship Families in our community?
The Kinship Caregiver Program is developing ongoing relationships with partners around Snohomish County and beyond. Through support from Washington State, other Kinship Programs and growing community awareness, we have been able to provide free family activities, and information about free programs in and around Snohomish County. Some of these include passes to the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, free bowling and skating, free or low cost movies, and more! We have also been able to fill needs through collaboration with partner agencies such as Campfire Summer Camp, The ARC of Snohomish County serving children with special needs, Compass Health Crisis &Intervention Teams, Lifespan Respite and much more.
I am not a kinship caregiver. How can I help support kinship families?
Talk about it. Kinship caregivers are sprinkled throughout our communities, but often live in isolation because of some of their situations. There may be an aunt who is active in her child’s PTA or homeroom at school — you may assume she is “mom” but she isn’t. She probably prefers it that way! Yet, there is much honor for kinship caregivers who give so much to the children in their care. Auntie may have needs, but feels uncomfortable sharing. Befriend her, let her know she is of value and that there is a program available to support her amazing work.
Consider volunteering at Homage Senior Services. There are opportunities for you to directly assist the Kinship Caregiver Program.
Donate your talent. Do you crochet or knit? Consider making children’s blankets, layette sets or baby caps for Kinship staff to take to children on home visits. If you have an idea of how you would like to get involved, let us know!
I am a kinship caregiver, how do I get started?
Begin by contacting an aging disability resource specialist at 425-513-1900. They will explain more about the program and do a brief intake. Once we have basic information, a kinship specialist will contact you. They can provide community resources, support and follow up.
Have ideas? Need Assistance? Call 425-513-1900 or email adrn@homage.org
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