You are now one of millions of primary caregivers (also known as "kinship caregivers") who has taken a child into their home so that they may live with love,compassion and safety, without fear of violence, abandonment, abuse or exposure to drug abuse and distribution.
Are you a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin or another relative who thought you were finished with parenting full-time?
Are you raising your niece, nephew, cousin, grandchild or another related child because their mother and father are unable to?
YOU ARE NO LONGER ALONE.......
Suddenly, your life changed because a child had nowhere else to go.
Information for Relatives and Friends of Children in the Custody and Care of the State of Vermont
Kinship care is defined as the provision of full-time nurturing and protection of children by adults other than parents who have a family relationship bond with the children.
(Child Welfare League of America,)
TYPES OF KINSHIP CARE ARRANGEMENTS:
INFORMAL KINSHIP CARE
In an informal arrangement, family members become caregivers for related children without the involvement of the court or a social service agency.
FORMAL KINSHIP CARE
Formal arrangements are made within the Probate Court, Family Court system or with the involvement of Child Protective Services, which may maintain limited contact with the kinship caregivers over time, e.g., kinship foster care.
Kinship Care is widely recognized as preferable to other placement options such as foster care. Children in kinship care situations have their culture supported and enriched. Family traditions are continued in familiar surroundings and by familiar adult role models. Finally, connections and relationships which are built during kinship care will continue for the child’s lifetime.
