Key Facts and Statistics
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There are over 407,000 children and youth in foster care, and 34 percent were placed with relatives or kin.
When children cannot remain safely in their home, placement with relatives and kin - both formally through the child welfare system and informal through family arrangements - can increase stability, reduce trauma, and help children maintain a sense of family, belonging and identity.
Investing in culturally appropriate services and supports for relative and kin caregivers may help reinforce a child’s cultural identity and traditions. their parents or primary caregiver.
Relational permanency is fundamental to the well-being of children and youth. Maintaining relationships with relatives and kin can help provide a sense of belonging for young people in care.
Include these key points in your messaging to demonstrate the important role relative and kinship caregivers play in supporting family connections that are essential to a child’s health and well-being.