Kinship Connections: Keeping Children Close to Home and Heart

Every September, we observe National Kinship Care Month, a time to honor the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close family friends who step forward to care for children when their parents cannot. In the U.S., approximately 2.5 to 2.7 million children are being raised by kin, relatives or close family friends, when parents are absent from the home. That’s roughly 3% of all children in the country.

Why Kinship Care Matters

• Greater stability, less trauma: Children in kinship care often experience fewer behavioral problems, better placement stability, and stronger emotional adjustment compared to other types of out-of-home care.

• Cultural and familial continuity: Maintaining bonds with family, heritage, and community supports children's sense of identity and belonging.

At CASA, we believe children grow and thrive best in family environments - when safe and possible. Our volunteers work alongside kinship caregivers, ensuring that children’s voices are heard in court and that

This month, we celebrate and thank the many families who step up when they are needed most. We also invite our community to learn more about kinship care, share resources, and support CASA’s mission of ensuring every child has a safe and permanent home.

This month, we encourage you to:

• Learn more about kinship care, its benefits, and its challenges.

• Thank and support kinship families in your community by sharing resources or volunteer support.

• Consider becoming a CASA volunteer to advocate for children in need.

Together, we can uplift the families who make a difference every day.

Sources:

• Annie E. Casey Foundation (Kids Count Data Center)

• Administration for Children and Families

• Generations United