Kinship Care
Kinship Care is a form of foster care in which a family member–such as a grandparent or aunt or uncle–or close family friend assumes the responsibility of caring for a child full-time.
St. Catherine’s Center for Children launched its award-winning Kinship Care program in 2021 to support kinship caregivers in Albany, Schenectady, Greene and Ulster counties. Our program connects caregivers to community and public support services to aid in the continued care of a youth, or find alternative permanency arrangements, including a plan to reunite the youth with their biological parents.
New York State’s Office of Children and Family Services estimates that 130,000 children in New York live with a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or other family member. Some even live with a close family friend
Kinship Care Services
- Assistance navigating the Department of Social Services
- Legal assistance (locating an attorney, providing guidance to services)
- Referrals to different agencies and community resources
- Peer-to-peer support groups
- Educational classes
- Caregiver respite opportunities
- Monthly family engagement activities
- Family Court support and custody guidance
Eligibility Requirements
- Caregivers who are caring for a child that is not biologically their own, living in Albany, Schenectady, Greene or Ulster county.
- Caregivers who have informal or legal custody of the child.
Those who have adopted, are in Kinship Foster Care, or have guardianship are not eligible. Please visit our Foster Care page for more information.
Contact St. Catherine’s Center for Children
For more information about this program, please contact us today.
