In kinship care, who typically becomes the approved caregiver?

In kinship care, the approved caregiver is typically a relative, often a grandparent. This is because kinship care prioritizes the idea of keeping children within their family network whenever possible, which helps maintain their sense of stability and connection to family heritage and traditions. By placing children with relatives, the system aims to minimize trauma associated with foster care placements, allowing children to remain in familiar environments and relationships.

The emphasis on relatives stems from research suggesting that children benefit emotionally and developmentally from staying connected to family. Grandparents, specifically, often have established bonds with the children and can provide a more nurturing environment that feels like a continuation of their familial support system. In contrast, while teachers, social workers, or family friends may also play supportive roles in a child's life, they typically do not hold the same kinship ties that are crucial for successful kinship care placements.