When children cannot remain safely in their homes, placing them with kin not only minimizes the trauma of removal and separation, but increases their likelihood of remaining connected to siblings, families of origin, and community, which improves their overall well-being. When compared to children in non-relative foster care, children in kinship care (Opens link in new tab) have been found to experience fewer behavioral and mental health challenges, lower rates of recurrent maltreatment, and less placement disruption. In federal fiscal year 2024, the most recent for which national data are available, about 40% of children were placed with kin. Although the number of kinship placements have increased in recent years, it continues to vary widely by state.
Kinship care is defined as the full-time care, nurturing, teaching, and protection of children by kin. Kin are defined as relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption — as well as any adult who has a bond that the child or family recognizes as significant. These chosen family, sometimes referred to as fictive kin, may include members of Tribes or native clans, stepparents, godparents, or trusted family friends.
Barriers to kinship care
Kinship caregivers experience significantly more barriers than traditional foster parents. Caregivers who elect to participate in non-kin foster care have the advantage of months or years of planning before a child is placed in their care. Kinship caregivers, however, often step into their role in emergency situations, without adequate time to prepare for a child’s arrival. Caring for a relative child often means taking on unanticipated expenses, which can create new financial challenges or exacerbate existing ones. This is particularly true for grandparents, who are more likely to be on a fixed income. One study found that of the more than 2.5 million grandparents formally and informally caring for their grandchildren in the U.S., 25% had a disability and 20% lived in poverty. Regardless of their willingness, many relatives cannot financially afford to care for their kin who are in the child welfare system without support.