Relatives who open their homes to grandchildren, nieces, and nephews have the same needs as foster families—with few of the same resources. In Austin, Texas, the Kinship Care Coalition helps kin who care for extended family members, whether they have legal guardianship or have stepped in to help informally.
Zeroing in on needed resources
Casey Family Programs’ Austin field office joined in forming the coalition in 2003.
Early goals include compiling a resource guide and setting up a phone line to help meet kinship caregivers’ needs for information about:
- childcare resources and assistance
- applying for and gaining public resources like Medicaid
- community programs that can help with legal issues such as guardianship options
Building community awareness
Coalition members are working to increase awareness of the needs of kinship families among child welfare agencies and the general public.
Looking to the future, the coalition aims to encourage greater community support for kinship families, such as businesses donating furniture or other goods to relatives who are caring for their kin.
Casey’s partners in the coalition include the local child protective services agency, county health and human services, agencies that provide mental health services, and senior citizen groups.