by Hanna Farina, MSW, New Directions Therapeutic Foster Care Clinical Worker
When children are removed from their parent’s homes, often time parents are asked if they have any viable family or friend resources available to care for their children. This is referred to as Kinship Care.
Just like foster care, Kinship is a temporary arrangement granted by the court. The goal of kinship care is for children to be returned to their primary home. Kinship care decreases the trauma that children endure when they are removed from home. When children are placed with a Kin caregiver, they can remain with a familiar face and keep family connections. Children know the caregiver and have more stability as they may not move placements.
Changing homes often adds to trauma, increasing the risk of developing behavioral and attachment concerns. If parents are not able to be reunited with their children, with a kin placement, permanency is a much faster process.
New Directions Youth & Family Services can help certify family and friends as foster parents. For more information or questions:
Erie and Niagara counties: Melissa Bonello Phone: 716.535.1789 Email: mbonello@ndyfs.org
Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties: Missy Martin Phone: 716.358.3636, ext 232 Email: mmartin@ndyfs.org