Kinship Caregiver Support Services
Washington State and the US Congress have seen the wisdom of and fiscal benefits resulting from support services to unpaid family caregivers in delaying or eliminating premature placement of loved ones in more costly residential facilities. The same principle applies when it comes to kinship caregivers providing care for relative children placed in their care rather than in more costly foster care. This has led to the passage of legislation to support kinship caregivers in their efforts to provide stable homes for displaced relative children. Southeast Washington Aging and Long Term Care coordinates and monitors three programs designed to assist kinship caregivers.
The first program is the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) serving kinship caregivers 55 years of age and older who provide primary care for children living with them who are under the age of 19. SE/ALTC has contracted with Catholic Family and Child Service (CFCS) to provide information and assistance to this group of caregivers. Respite, support groups, advocacy, referrals to legal clinics, and counseling for kin caregivers and the children in their charge are some of the supplemental services available through this program. Federal funding is limited to 10% of the FCSP budget. Each year since its inception, this program has used all of these available funds in service of grandparents and other relatives over 55 who have selflessly taken in their vulnerable relative children.
The second program is the Kinship Caregivers Support Program (KCSP), funded by the Washington State Legislature. CFCS is the contracted agency for this program as well. The program is designed to provide services to adult kinship caregivers of any age who are at the greatest risk of being unable to maintain their care giving role. Funding is limited and must be dispersed to those kinship caregivers experiencing the most urgent/emergent needs.
The third program is the Kinship Navigator Program. Aging and Long Term Care has again contracted with CFCS to house and supervise this position, dovetailing well with the other kinship programs they administer. The Kinship Navigator provides information and referral to kin caregivers concerning a range of services, resources, and supports including:
• Child care
• Legal issues
• Respite care
• Medical, dental, vision, mental health, and chemical dependency services for caregivers and the youth in their charge
• Assistance navigating the education system
• Assistance navigating the child welfare system
• Parenting skills education and training
• Emergency financial assistance
• Caregiver support groups
The Kinship Navigator offers advocacy and follow-up. Navigator services are offered throughout Aging and Long Term Care.s eight-county area. Referrals for this service often come from Aging and Long Term Care Information Specialists and Case Managers.
For further information call Catholic Family and Child Service at (509) 965-7100
