About Kinship Caregivers Program

Kinship care refers to the raising of children by relatives, and is preferred when children must live with someone other than birth parents. Kinship care helps maintain family connections and culture. These connections are central to a child’s sense of safety, security, and well-being.  Here are some of the ways kinship care has been shown to be good for children in out of home care.

• Fewer placement changes
• More opportunity for siblings to stay together
• When children reunite with their birth parents, they are less likely to re-enter care
• Reduction in trauma
• Increase in support from extended family
• Fewer behavioral problems

Program Benefits:

• Financial assistance with costs associated with caring for youth; advocacy and support from Samish Social Services; Respite funds available
• Services for caregivers of Samish children outside of Indian Child Welfare System.
• Assistance with relocation costs, emergency funds, furniture, extra-curricular activities and other needs.

Kinship Navigators