Toolkit featuring promising practices that have been helping child welfare agencies across the country increase their kin placement rates. Every practice comes with the necessary real-world tools, such as sample policy language and forms to help you take away new strategies and resources to adapt for your own system or organization. The ideas and materials in this toolkit were compiled from over 35 child welfare agencies across the country who are part of the Child Welfare Playbook & Resource Family Working Group.

Also see the webinar recording and presentation slides about improving your results in kin-finding and placement.

Ohio uses Kinnect to Family, a specialized intense family search and engagement program that is similar to Missouri’s 30 Days to Family program. Kinnect to Family expands on 30 Days to Family by allowing all foster youth, not just those entering care, to be eligible. The program works with families before children are removed so they avoid foster care entry when possible

This brief by ChildFocus and North American Council on Adoptable Children focuses on the needs of children who are adopted by their relatives. It addresses why kinship adoption is on the rise, how kinship adoption differs from other adoptions, and what policies and practices agencies can consider to achieve successful kinship adoptions (2010).

The ABA Center on Children and the Law and Generations United, in partnership with Casey Family Programs, have created this practical kinship assessment tool with resource links to support the array of child welfare agencies—from those that are embarking on a kin-first journey to those that are continuously striving for quality improvement.

This Child Welfare Information Gateway factsheet is designed to help kin caregivers work effectively with the child welfare system. It also includes resources, such as links to more detailed information or places to find support, to help caregivers learn about and navigate the child welfare system.