What is Kinship Care?

Kinship is family care. Kinship refers to relative caregivers. "Relative" means an adult who is related to the child by blood, adoption, or affinity within the fifth degree of kinship, including stepparents, step siblings, and all relatives whose status is preceded by the words "great,", "great-great,", or "grand," or the spouse of any of these persons, even if the marriage was terminated by death or dissolution. These children are placed in the caregivers' home formally by the juvenile court and probate court or informally through a family arrangement.

We strive to support kinship caregivers through San Diego County in achieving safety, permanency, and well-being for their families through education, advocacy and community collaboration. For most relatives, suddenly becoming a relative caregiver can be an almost overwhelming responsibility. We strengthen support systems by offering county-wide services to help caregivers preserve the family unit to avoid the entry/re-entry of children into the foster care system.

Our program is funded in part by the federal government through the Administration on Children and Families (ACF), Children’s Bureau, and the County of San Diego. Our close community partners include the Child Welfare Services, Aging and Independence Services, Casey Family Programs, and Grossmont Community College.