Kinship Support Services
Kinship Support Services Program (KSSP) assists and provides in-home case management to relative caregivers who are caring from dependent children in North County and South Bay regions of San Diego County. Our program is funded in part by the County of San Diego and services are available in both English and Spanish to better meet the individual needs of clients.
KSSP establishes support systems to help caregivers preserve the family unit and avoid the child's placement in the dependency system.
We strive to protect, nurture, and instill a sense of identity and belonging amongst these children who cannot be raised by their biological parents due to substance abuse, death of a parent, divorce, incarceration, or serious physical or mental illness.
These children are placed in the caregivers' home by juvenile court, probate court, or informally in order to avoid them from being placed in the foster care system. For most relatives, suddenly becoming a relative caregiver can be an almost overwhelming responsibility. Emotional turmoil, the special needs of children, financial strains are only a few of the pressures faced by caregivers raising children of relatives.
If you would like additional information or are interested in kinship support services, please send an e-mail to kinshipyfs@ymca.org or contact Kinship Staff, at 619-543-9850 x123.
Services
KSSP primarily provides:
- in-home case management services, including assessment of needs
- parenting education
- assistance with guardianship and permanency planning
- information and referrals
- assistance in applying for public assistance benefits like non-needy cash aid, health insurance, and food stamps
In
addition, KSSP provides bi-monthly support groups in Oceanside, Escondido, and
Chula Vista and provides respite through our contract with Aging and
Independence Services of San Diego County. Relative caregivers do not need to
participate in case management if they are only interested in support groups
and/or respite services.
