Are you a grandparent, relative, or family friend in Georgia stepping up to care for a child? You’re not alone, and support is available. The Kinship Care Program in Georgia, also known as the Kinship Navigator Program, is specifically designed to assist caregivers like you in navigating the resources and systems in place to help children thrive within their families.
Understanding the Kinship Navigator Program
The Kinship Navigator Program acts as a central point of contact for kinship caregivers in Georgia. It’s a comprehensive service offering information, referrals, and support to grandparents, relatives, and individuals with a kin-like relationship who are raising children. This program recognizes the vital role kinship caregivers play and aims to simplify access to crucial assistance.
Why Georgia Invested in the Kinship Care Program
The Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) initiated the Kinship Navigator Program to directly address the growing number of relatives, particularly grandparents, who are taking on the responsibility of raising children when biological parents are unable to provide adequate care. Recognizing the profound benefits for children to remain within their family network, this program was created to strengthen and empower kinship families. By supporting these caregivers, the program prioritizes family unity and stability for Georgia’s children.
Who Qualifies for the Kinship Navigator Program?
The Kinship Navigator Program is for anyone in Georgia providing kinship care. This includes a broad spectrum of caregivers: grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and even those with a strong, “kin-like” emotional bond with the child. Kinship care arrangements can be formal, involving the child welfare system, or informal, private agreements within families.
To better understand your specific role and the types of support available, reviewing the Kinship Pathway document is recommended. This resource clarifies different kinship care arrangements and helps you identify the most relevant path for your situation.
How Kinship Navigators Provide Assistance
Kinship Navigators are strategically located throughout Georgia to offer personalized support within your local community. Their primary goal is to bridge any gaps or delays in connecting kinship caregivers with essential services. These navigators are experts in identifying and linking families to resources that can help with various needs, such as:
- Financial Assistance: Understanding potential benefits and programs.
- Legal Guidance: Navigating legal aspects of kinship care.
- Support Groups: Connecting with other kinship caregivers.
- Educational Resources: Accessing school and childcare support.
- Healthcare Services: Ensuring children’s health and well-being.
The Department of Human Services emphasizes a strength-based approach, empowering kinship families by providing responsive and supportive assistance. By reaching out to the Kinship Navigator Program, you are taking a proactive step to ensure you have the resources needed to provide the best possible care for the children in your kinship family.
Explore Further Resources
For more in-depth information, consider exploring these related documents:
Kinship Program Manual 2023
1st year Kinship Navigator Evaluation FY20 Report
2nd year Kinship Navigator Program Evaluation FY21-22
Kinship Navigator FFY23 Evaluation Report
Take the first step towards accessing support: fill out the referral form and connect with your local Kinship Navigator today.
