What is kinship care?
Kinship care is when family members or close connections step in to provide care so a child can stay connected to people, places and relationships that feel familiar and safe.
Kinship care often happens quickly, sometimes overnight. Kinship caregivers say yes out of love and loyalty, which helps to keep a child connected to what feels familiar and safe. CMFCAA's Kinship Navigators support these families.
How do Kinship Navigators help?
CMFCAA's Kinship Navigators program provides tangible resources and guidance so children can remain steady, and families aren't left to figure it out alone.
Immediate needs
Immediate tangible needs, such as beds, clothing, diapers and school supplies.
Emergency needs
Emergency needs, such as rent, utilities or transportation support, when resources are available.
Resource navigation
Resource navigation and referrals to services families may qualify for.
Permanency guidance
Guidance toward permanency options like guardianship or adoption.
Court support
Support through court transitions and legal processes.
Long-term stability
Connection to community resources so stability can be maintained long-term.
CMFCAA meets kinship families with respect, confidentiality and care, helping them stabilize without judgment or pressure.
Do I qualify?
You may be eligible for Kinship Navigator services if you are caring for a child age 18 or under who is not your own, because the child's parent is unable to currently provide care.
- You are caring for a child age 18 or under who is not your own, because the child's parent is unable to currently provide care.
- You live within one of the 24 counties served by CMFCAA.
Families outside our coverage area may be referred to appropriate services.
Common questions
Do I need a formal placement to get help?
No. The Kinship Navigator Program supports kinship caregiver families in both formal and informal arrangements.
Is there a support group?
Yes. CMFCAA offers a kinship support group for connecting with other caregivers.
What if I live outside CMFCAA's service area?
Families outside our coverage area may be referred to appropriate services.