Categories: equity, Families, Policy, Prevention
Kinship diversion enables children to remain with relatives instead of being placed in foster care; however, varying policies present difficulties. Numerous caregivers do not receive financial support, and the rights of parents are frequently ambiguous. Enhancing support services, bolstering oversight, and guaranteeing legal safeguards can contribute to protecting the welfare of children in kinship care settings.
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Kinship diversion enables the placement of children with relatives or trusted family friends rather than entering the foster care system; however, this approach raises concerns regarding oversight and support. While kinship diversion can help preserve family connections and minimize trauma, policies differ significantly from state to state, leading to variations in the resources available for caregivers, the rights of parents, and the involvement of child welfare agencies. Numerous kinship caregivers do not receive the financial assistance and services that licensed foster parents typically have, resulting in disparities that affect the well-being of children.
To enhance outcomes for kinship diversion, it is crucial to offer sufficient support to kinship caregivers, ensure that parents maintain decision-making power, and implement oversight measures to safeguard children’s welfare. Federal initiatives such as the Family First Prevention Services Act and recently enacted legal representation guidelines can bolster kinship care, but states must also improve their data collection and accountability practices. Although these initiatives are advantageous, they should not substitute for comprehensive legal protections and formal interventions within child welfare systems.
Download this file for more detailed insights on kinship diversion policies:
The Annie E. Casey Foundation – Kinship Care
No Wrong Door Marketplace materials or resources are reviewed and curated by the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention. To discuss resources, add, or suggest updates to No Wrong Door Marketplace, please call 513-529-2450. Visit www.OhioSBCOE.org.
Kinship diversion enables the placement of children with relatives or trusted family friends rather than entering the foster care system; however, this approach raises concerns regarding oversight and support. While kinship diversion can help preserve family connections and minimize trauma, policies differ significantly from state to state, leading to variations in the resources available for caregivers, the rights of parents, and the involvement of child welfare agencies. Numerous kinship caregivers do not receive the financial assistance and services that licensed foster parents typically have, resulting in disparities that affect the well-being of children.
To enhance outcomes for kinship diversion, it is crucial to offer sufficient support to kinship caregivers, ensure that parents maintain decision-making power, and implement oversight measures to safeguard children’s welfare. Federal initiatives such as the Family First Prevention Services Act and recently enacted legal representation guidelines can bolster kinship care, but states must also improve their data collection and accountability practices. Although these initiatives are advantageous, they should not substitute for comprehensive legal protections and formal interventions within child welfare systems.
Download this file for more detailed insights on kinship diversion policies:
The Annie E. Casey Foundation – Kinship Care
No Wrong Door Marketplace materials or resources are reviewed and curated by the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention. To discuss resources, add, or suggest updates to No Wrong Door Marketplace, please call 513-529-2450. Visit www.OhioSBCOE.org.
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