Kinship Connect in Bedford
The Kinship Connect program is a comprehensive, family-centered service supporting kinship caregivers stepping up to care for relatives’ children. These caregivers often take on the role unexpectedly and require added guidance, resources, and professional support. The program is rooted in collaboration, clinical quality, and long-term stability for both children and caregivers. It provides intensive case management and care coordination that go beyond traditional case management services.
Kinship Connect delivers tailored, hands-on casework that addresses needs beyond standard case management. Its goal is to empower families to meet children’s complex needs and promote positive outcomes for all involved.
Impact’s Approach
Kinship Connect is more than a service—it’s a strategic partnership with local departments of social services. Services are designed to strengthen kinship placements, stabilize families, and ensure children thrive in homes rooted in love, familiarity, and commitment.
Our team walks alongside families through moments of uncertainty. We offer clarity, structure, and encouragement so families feel equipped rather than overwhelmed. Services are typically provided over a 45- to 90-day period, with extensions available based on continued need and engagement. If goals are met or participation declines, services can be responsibly concluded to ensure resources are directed effectively.
To qualify for Kinship Connect, the case must be approved through the Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) process by a local county agency.
Connect with Bedford Kinship Connect
The Kinship Connect Care Model
This service model is designed to address the unique challenges that kinship caregivers face. Many are navigating a complex system for the first time while simultaneously adjusting their household and routines to meet the needs of a child who has experienced trauma. Kinship Connect helps bridge these gaps through:
- In-person support for caregivers and up to six hours per month of direct engagement with the youth
- Training for kinship providers on trauma-informed parenting approaches
- Support in redefining their role as caregivers, especially when stepping into parental responsibilities unexpectedly
- Clarification of DSS processes, court plans, and system expectations to eliminate confusion and build confidence in the kinship provider. Offers direct support in navigating the local DSS home study process to ensure timely and efficient certification as a foster parent.
- Guidance tailored to the family’s individualized needs, recognizing that no two situations are alike.
Additional core services include:
- Comprehensive care coordination with clinicians, DSS workers, school teams, and other providers
- 24/7 on-call support to ensure families have help during urgent situations
- Transportation assistance to overcome barriers to services and appointments
- Intensive case management that supports both emotional and practical aspects of the placement
Ongoing collaboration with LDSS and community partners to align support efforts and promote stability