Kinship Foster Care
Serving Upstate NY, New York City, Pittsburgh, and Florida
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care is a form of foster care that emphasizes keeping children and youth close to their families. Kinship caregivers include relatives, such as aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, extended family, or fictive kin (those known to the family). Kinship care has become an important alternative to out-of-home care. Kinship placements limit disruputions, maintain family connections and cultural traditions, and minimize the trauma of separation.
Prioritizing the placement of children and youth with kin can help transform the child welfare system into one that truly supports families. Kinship caregivers are provided extra support including caregiver training, finanical support, and 24/7 support from the Cayuga Centers treatment team.
Being a Kinship caregiver is a great opportunity to support a family member or youth in your community. In general, there are three different types of kinship care, each with different rules, regulations, and available support.
Types of Kinship Care
Informal Kinship
Informal kinship care is just that, an informal agreement between family members. Informal kinship care can occur with or without government or court participation. Sometimes a parent can voluntarily agree to have their child placed with a family member to avoid the child welfare agency forcing an involuntary placement.
Formal Kinship
Formal kinship, also known as kinship care, is when a child is taken into custody and placement decisions are made by the state. Then the child welfare agency places the child with a relative. In this scenario, the state has legal custody of the child while the relative has physical custody.
Fictive Kinship
Fictive kinship is defined as an individual who is not related by birth, adoption, or marriage to a child but has a significant emotional attachment and relationship. For example, it could be your best friend, who your children call “aunt” or “uncle.”
Explore Services
Learn more about Kinship Foster Care in Your State
New York Kinship Foster Care
Florida
Kinship Foster Care
Pennsylvania Kinship Foster Care
For youth in foster care, a safe and loving home is more than just a place—it’s a chance to heal, grow, and dream. You can make an extraordinary difference by opening your heart and your door. Become a foster parent.
Visit https://cayugacenters.org/become-a-foster-parent/ to learn more or sign up for an information session today.
#FosterCare #Givethegiftofhome #FosterParenting #HolidayHope #FosterCayugaCenters #FosterLove #HolidayMagic #HolidayCheer #HappyHolidays #TisTheSeason
Dec 17
The HealthySteps for Young Children program supports parents in providing the best possible care for their babies and toddlers with funding from @thechildrenstrust. This evidence-based program promotes healthy development and nurturing parenting, strengthening the bond between parents and their children.
Learn more about our HealthySteps program and how we partner with families so they can foster a strong attachment with their children at cayugacenters.org.
#healthysteps#WhyCayugaCenters#familysupport#florida
Dec 9
For most, the holidays are a time of joy, love, and belonging. But that`s not the case for all. For youth in foster care, finding a warm, welcoming home can make all the difference—not just during the holidays, but every day.
❤️ Consider sharing your joy and your heart by becoming a foster parent. You can create a safe, supportive environment where youth can thrive.
Visit https://cayugacenters.org/become-a-foster-parent/ to learn more and sign up for an information session today.
#FosterCare #HolidayMagic #BeAFosterParent #FosterCayugaCenters
#FosterLove #holidayseason #holidaycheer
Dec 4
A key part of parenting is fostering a nurturing and open atmosphere where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Whether it`s with family or friends, children should always feel secure among their loved ones. World Child Abuse Prevention Day prioritizes this need, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding them from harmful influences while maintaining a supportive environment. How do you ensure your home is a welcoming place for children?
Nov 19
TONIGHT! Join our Ask a Foster Parent LIVE Q&A and meet Miqueas and Linda, Cayuga Centers foster parents since 2022.
Miqueas and Linda’s dedication to fostering goes beyond just providing a temporary home. They are committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each child, tailoring their approach to ensure every child feels valued and supported. Their home is a place where children can heal, grow, and thrive, thanks to the loving and stable environment they provide.
Their journey as foster parents is a testament to their commitment and passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children. Miqueas and Linda continue to inspire those around them with their dedication and heartfelt approach to fostering.
Register Today at our #linkinbio
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayugacenters
Oct 15
Tomorrow! Join our Ask a Foster Parent LIVE Q&A and meet Diane, a Cayuga Centers foster parent since 2023.
Diane’s journey into foster care was inspired by her own mother, who was also a foster parent. An adventurous spirit who loves to travel, she also enjoys cooking at the Light of Life Rescue Mission. As an empty nester, Diane felt she still had plenty of love to give—and fostering has become her way of making a lasting impact on a youth`s life.
Visit our #linkinbio to register
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayugacenters
Oct 14
🚨This Tuesday!🚨
Have you ever wondered what it`s really like to be a foster parent?
Join Cayuga Centers and our panel of experts as we answer all of your questions regarding the foster parent process.
Learn about fostering from the experts:
- Hear stories from experienced foster parents
- Learn about the requirements and process
- Meet the people who support our foster parents
Visit our #linkinbio to register!
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayuacenters
Oct 13
Have you ever wondered what it`s really like to be a foster parent?
Join Cayuga Centers and our panel of experts as we answer all of your questions regarding the foster parent process.
Learn about fostering from the experts:
- Hear stories from experienced foster parents
- Learn about the requirements and process
- Meet the people who support our foster parents
Visit our #linkinbio to resister!
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayuacenters
Oct 6
Have you ever wondered what it`s really like to be a foster parent?
Join Cayuga Centers and our panel of experts as we answer all of your questions regarding the foster parent process.
Learn about fostering from the experts:
- Hear stories from experienced foster parents
- Learn about the requirements and process
- Meet the people who support our foster parents
Register at our #linkinbio!
#fosterlove #fostercare #fostercayuacenters
Oct 1
