Are you a grandparent, relative, or family friend in Georgia stepping up to care for a child? You’re not alone, and the Kinship Navigator Program is here to help. This vital program acts as a central point of contact, connecting kinship caregivers with the resources and support they need to thrive. If you’re seeking assistance, you can fill out the referral form or directly contact your local Kinship Navigator to get started.
Understanding the Kinship Navigator Program
What is the Kinship Navigator Program?
The Kinship Navigator Program in Georgia is designed as a comprehensive information and referral service hub. It is specifically for grandparents, other relatives, and individuals with a kin-like relationship who are currently raising children. Think of it as your first stop for navigating the often complex landscape of resources available to kinship families in Georgia.
Why Was the Program Created?
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 crucial role of raising children. This program acknowledges the profound importance of keeping children within their family network whenever their parents are unable to provide adequate care. By supporting these kinship arrangements, the program aims to provide stability and nurturing environments for children while honoring family bonds.
Who Can Benefit from the Program?
The Kinship Navigator Program is for anyone in Georgia acting as a kinship caregiver. This includes relatives like grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and even individuals who have established a strong, family-like connection with a child. Kinship care situations vary widely. Many are informal arrangements made privately between parents and relatives. Others arise from involvement with the child welfare system. To understand your specific caregiving role better, you can review the Kinship Pathway document, which outlines different types of kinship care arrangements in Georgia.
How the Kinship Navigator Program Helps Caregivers
Connecting You to Local Resources
Kinship Navigators are strategically located throughout Georgia to provide personalized assistance to kinship families within their own communities. Their primary role is to help you identify and access the specific resources you need, right in your local area. The program’s overarching goal is to streamline the process of getting support to kinship caregivers, eliminating delays and bridging gaps in service delivery.
Strength-Based Support
The Department of Human Services is committed to providing kinship families with responsive, strength-based support. This means the Kinship Navigator Program focuses on building upon the existing strengths of kinship families while offering the necessary resources and guidance to help them succeed. The program understands the unique challenges and rewards of kinship care and is dedicated to empowering caregivers in Georgia.
