September 2024Vol. 25, No. 7Series of Reports Analyzes a State-by-State Survey of Kinship Care Policies

Child Trends recently released results from a comprehensive survey of kinship care policies conducted in 2022 for the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The survey's findings highlight increasing efforts by states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to promote kinship care and support kin caregivers of children and youth involved with the child welfare system. A five-part series of briefs, which is being released throughout 2024, delves into the details of the survey findings, offering valuable insights and analysis on kinship care policies across the United States.

The executive summary, Family Ties: Analysis From a State-by-State Survey of Kinship Care Policies, provides an overview of the current landscape of kinship care policies. It explains the importance of kinship care, showcases various approaches states take to encourage and support kinship care, and addresses areas needing improvement. The report highlights survey findings and offers high-level recommendations for policy enhancements to better support kin caregivers.

The first brief in the series, Unlocking Foster Care Licensing for More Kinship Caregivers, delves into the challenges and opportunities created by current policies related to licensing kin caregivers as foster parents. This brief emphasizes the importance of making foster care licensing more accessible to kin caregivers, outlining strategies to remove barriers and streamline the process. The goal is to help more kin caregivers become licensed, access additional resources, and increase the potential pool of those who can provide support for children needing out-of-home caregivers.

The second brief, Supporting Unlicensed Kinship Caregivers, focuses on the needs and challenges faced by kin caregivers who are not formally licensed as foster parents. This brief discusses the various forms of support that can be extended to unlicensed kin caregivers, including financial assistance, access to services, and legal support. It highlights these caregivers' critical role in the child welfare system and underscores the need for policies that provide them with adequate support.

The survey and briefs emphasize the importance of kinship care for children in the child welfare system. Kinship care maintains family connections and provides stability for better outcomes. However, there are variations in state support for kin caregivers, highlighting the need for consistent policies. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's briefs offer recommendations for policymakers and agencies, such as simplifying licensing for kin caregivers and increasing awareness of its benefits. These resources provide valuable guidance for improving support for kin caregivers nationwide. Visit the Family Ties series page to access these resources.