Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Introduces Resolution To Designate September as National Kinship Care Month

“Grandparents and other relatives all over our nation step forward every day to provide a home and care for children when their biological parents are unable to do so. These family members play a vital role in our child welfare system and often care for these children without the same resources as foster parents. This support, at times even lifesaving, deserves to be honored and recognized. We are proud to support this effort as we continue to fight for meaningful recognition and reform for this important issue.”

About 7.6 million children live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives. In 2016, 32% of children in foster care were being cared for by kin. Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Sandra Day O’Connor, Presidential Medal of Freedom Honoree Maya Angelo, and gymnast Simone Biles are just three of the inspiring Americans who were cared for by a relative during their childhood. Thousands of children in our country have found safe harbor in the home of kinship care providers. Kinship care enables continuity and preserves families. These family members play a vital role in our child welfare system and often care for these children without the same resources as foster parents. These kinship caregivers have been a quiet force in strengthening our communities.

Read the full resolution here.