Kinship Care Month: Honoring the Families Who Step Up

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving home. When that home can’t be with their parents, kinship caregivers—grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and close family friends—often step in. These caregivers don’t just offer a roof over a child’s head. They offer connection, continuity, and comfort in the midst of crisis.

At CASA of the Lincoln Trail, we see the impact of kinship care every day. In our region, 20% of children in foster care are placed with kin. That number doesn’t include the many children who’ve been removed from unsafe situations and placed with relatives outside of formal state custody. These families often navigate complex systems with little support, but they do it because they believe in keeping kids close to the people who know and love them.

Why Kinship Care MattersResearch shows that children placed with kin experience:

• Greater placement stability

• Fewer school disruptions

• Stronger emotional and behavioral outcomes

• A deeper sense of identity and belonging

When it’s safe and possible, placing a child with someone they know isn’t just a good option—it’s often the best one.

This month, we celebrate kinship caregivers.We honor their resilience, their sacrifice, and their unwavering commitment to family. We also advocate for more resources, more recognition, and more support for these unsung heroes.

Kinship care keeps kids connected to their roots. It helps them heal. And it reminds us that family, however it’s defined, is one of the most powerful protective factors a child can have.

Want to make a difference for children in kinship care?

CASA volunteers are specially trained to advocate for children in foster care—including those placed with relatives or close family friends. These children often face unique challenges navigating the court system, education, and emotional transitions. As a CASA, you’ll be a consistent, caring presence who helps ensure their needs are heard and met.

Whether a child is placed with kin or in a foster home, your advocacy can help them feel seen, supported, and safe.

Learn more and apply to become a CASA volunteer: https://www.casalincolntrail.org/volunteer/