Celebrating Kinship Awareness Month: Honoring the Importance of Kinship Care in Virginia
In Virginia, family lies at the heart of every child’s well-being – thats why we are celebrating kinship awareness. This month, we are proud to spotlight Kinship Awareness Month and celebrate an important step forward in our state’s child welfare system. Last week, Governor Youngkin honored the devoted kinship families, individuals, and
Deborah Pryor and Kathryn Likins with First Lady of Virginia
organizations that work tirelessly to support these families. This celebration took place in the Governor’s Mansion, showcasing Virginia’s commitment to this cause.
Kathryn Likins and Deborah Pryor were honored to represent Impact Living Services (ILS) at this significant event. Their attendance emphasized ILS’s dedication to the kinship community and recognized a major achievement. The recent passing of the Parental Child Safety Placement Program marks a huge milestone. This program officially codifies the practice of placing children with relatives, reinforcing Virginia’s commitment to a Kin First approach in child welfare.
But what exactly is kinship care? And why does it matter so much?
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care refers to placing children, who cannot live with their parents, in the care of relatives or close family friends. These individuals are also known as “fictive kin.” Under the Parental Child Safety Placement Program (PCSPP), this could involve grandparents, aunts, uncles, close family friends, coaches, or even teachers stepping up. These individuals provide a safe, loving, and familiar environment for the child.
The benefits of kinship care are vast. Children placed with kin are more likely to experience stability and maintain connections with their family and community. They also tend to have better outcomes in terms of mental health and overall well-being. By staying with people they know and trust, these children can avoid the uncertainty of entering the foster care system.
Virginia’s Commitment to Kinship Care
With the passing of the Parental Child Safety Placement Program, Virginia has taken a significant step. This legislation makes it clear that kinship care is not just an option—it is the preferred solution when a child can no longer safely remain with their parents.
The new program provides clear guidelines and support for placing children with relatives. It offers a structured path for family members to become official caregivers. This allows families to access the necessary resources and support to succeed in their new roles. By doing so, they can provide a stable and loving environment for the child. Empowering kinship families also helps reduce the strain on the traditional foster care system, creating a more sustainable and effective child welfare network.
How ILS Supports Kinship Families
At ILS, we understand that kinship families face unique challenges. Often, stepping in to care for a child happens unexpectedly. This can bring financial, emotional, and logistical difficulties. That’s why we offer comprehensive support through our Kinship Connect program. Our services include:
- Intensive Family Support Coordination: Our team works closely with kinship caregivers to develop a plan tailored to the specific needs of the child and family.
- 24/7 On-Call Support: We provide guidance and assistance around the clock. Families can feel confident that they are never alone in their journey.
- Transportation Assistance: From school drop-offs to medical appointments, we help families manage the logistics of day-to-day life.
- Relationship Building and Role Transition: Caring for a relative’s child often means redefining family roles. We help kinship families navigate these changes and build strong, supportive relationships.
Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Kin First System
Our presence at the Governor’s Mansion highlights our unwavering commitment to advocating for kinship families. As we celebrate Kinship Awareness Month, it is important to acknowledge the value of family in the lives of children in need. By supporting and uplifting kinship caregivers, we can create a brighter future for all children in Virginia.
At Impact Living Services, we believe that children thrive when surrounded by family. We are honored to be part of this vital movement and look forward to continuing our mission of supporting kinship families across the state.