Kinship Care
If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, it can be quite difficult to sort through your many options. It can be a stressful, tiring, and overwhelming experience or situation in which to find yourself. Even if your pregnancy is or was planned and you find that you can’t take care of your child—for one reason or another—you have to make a very important decision. While sorting through your options, you’ll find information on abortion, adoption, foster care, and so on. But if you’re looking for additional options, they are available. One of those available and relevant options is kinship care. But before you can make an informed decision, you need to understand the basics. Below you’ll find common questions asked about kinship care.
What is kinship care? In its most basic definition, kinship care is when a child is provided with residential care—food, clothing, shelter—by a relative who isn’t his or her parent. This is generally recommended for those with strong and supportive family backgrounds who can’t currently take care of his or her child.
How long does a kinship care situation or relationship last? It is truly dependent upon each specific situation. It can be permanent or temporary, part-time or full-time. It just depends on the needs of the child and what the judge or court orders.
Is kinship care best for my situation? Determining if kinship care is best for you and your child can be up to you or up to a judge. If you’d like to keep your child within your family, but you can’t physically, monetarily, or emotionally support him or her, kinship care may be a fantastic option for you to seriously consider.
Who benefits from kinship care? Your child can benefit from kinship care because he or she will more than likely feel comfortable being taken care of by a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or some other close relative. If you’re considering kinship care because there are some things you need to work out for yourself, this might be beneficial to you—so that you can regain your parental rights and duties when you’re ready.
What if kinship care isn’t right for me? If you decide that kinship care isn’t right for you, your child, or your situation, you do have other options. If you need help figuring out which options are available to you, consider joining a support group, speaking with others who have been in similar situations, or visiting a professional counselor or therapist to help you. Remember that you do have options. Don’t let anyone bully, pressure, or force you into making a decision if you’re not ready. Take the time you need to make an informed decision—the only right decision.
Kinship care isn’t for everyone and every situation. But, it may be for you. Consider all your options before you make a final decision. It is the only way to feel confident in your decision. Kinship care is a great option for those who wish to have their children raised by family members or would like to parent their children later—if currently they are unable to effectively parent, for any reason. If you feel that kinship care may be a good option for you to consider, take the time to study more about the rules, laws, guidelines, and regulations. Make sure you know how the system works before you agree to anything. This will ensure your well-being and the well-being of your growing child.
