September 2024Vol. 25, No. 7Bipartisan Policy Discussion on Kinship Placements to Avoid Foster Care

The Bipartisan Policy Center posted a recording of its webinar "Bipartisan Policy Discussion on Kinship Placements to Avoid Foster Care," which addresses the prioritization of kinship placements when children need to be separated from their parents and placed in foster care. This hour-long webinar features an expert panel discussing appropriate policies and practices for situations where relatives or other kin care for children and prevent state custody. 

The webinar explores the broad and bipartisan support for kinship placements, reflecting a shared belief that placing children with relatives can provide stability and continuity during a difficult time. The discussion delves into various perspectives on the best approaches to kinship placements, highlighting differing opinions on appropriate policies and practices.

The expert panel brings together those with lived experience, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and legal experts, providing a well-rounded discussion that considers kinship care's practical, legal, and emotional aspects. The panel examines some recently enacted and proposed state legislation, key considerations when relying on kin to avoid foster care, and how some states are currently working to support informal and formal kinship families.

Key issues addressed in the webinar include the criteria for determining when kinship placements are appropriate, the support systems necessary for kin caregivers, and the legal and bureaucratic hurdles that can complicate the process. The panelists also discuss the challenges and barriers that families face and how policies can be changed to better benefit the families they directly affect, whether or not kinship care is considered formal or informal.

This resource is valuable for state agencies, kinship navigator programs, and policymakers looking to understand and implement effective kinship care strategies. By offering diverse perspectives and indepth analysis, the webinar helps child welfare partners navigate the complexities of kinship placements and work toward solutions that prioritize the best interests of children.