Kinship care

Kinship care is when a relative or someone with a close relationship to a child or youth cares for them (temporarily or permanently) when their parent(s) cannot. It offers children and youth a chance to grow and thrive in a familiar environment.

Anyone with a close relationship to a child or youth can provide kinship care including but not limited to:

• grandparents
• aunts and uncles
• siblings
• godparents
• friends
• teachers
• neighbours
• coaches

Kinship care can be both fulfilling and challenging. Children and youth need kinship caregivers who:

• understand their unique needs and worries about living with another family
• provide stability and consistency in their lives
• create a safe, nurturing, supportive and loving environment
• help them stay connected to their family and support the potential return to their family home (if it is in their best interest)
• help them get involved in the community and explore things they like such as art, sports, music, etc.
• support and respect their routine, culture, traditions, language, religion and identity
• advocate for them and support their best interests, views and preferences
• help them develop skills for the greatest opportunities as adults
• will work as valued member of a support team

Anyone with a close relationship to a child or youth may be eligible to provide kinship care. You don’t have to be married, wealthy or have a specific educational background. The top priority is to find children and youth a home where they feel safe, loved and connected to someone they already know and trust.

You may be eligible to provide kinship care to a child or youth if you:

• are 19 years or older
• are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• have a living space that provides a secure and healthy environment for children and youth

As part of the application process, a social worker will come to your home to check if it’s a safe and welcoming place.

Call the Department of Social Development at 1-833-733-7835 to speak with a child protection social worker. To complete your application, you must be willing to:

• authorize a Social Development record check
• participate in a family assessment
• provide all the supporting documents required by the department at any time in the process
• provide a Criminal and Vulnerable Sector Record Check (for all adults 19 years of age or older living in the household, and any immediate family members with a criminal history)