September is Kinship Care Month, recognizing relatives and family friends who provide around the clock protecting and nurturing for their younger loved ones in a time of need.
Kinship care is different than the care provided by traditional foster care homes or centers, because for family members or family friends providing kindship care, it may be their first experience navigating the complex paperwork, court dates, and many professionals associated with foster care. Additionally, family members of family friends often have a closer tie to the children in their care and may experience secondary trauma or emotional hardship because of those close relationships with the children.
CASA volunteer advocates support children and families in many types of living placements -- including kinship care. CASA volunteers can be even more vital for these caregivers who are unfamiliar with the child welfare system; explaining aspects of the court process, answering questions, assisting with filling out paperwork, and acting as a liaison between the family and medical, court, or education systems.
We are grateful to the wonderful people who step up to provide kinship care for the children they love, and we are grateful to our CASA volunteers for the many ways in which they support these families.
If you might be interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, click the link below to learn more on our website. Or, if you know someone who might be, consider forwarding them this email.
