2023 study by the University of Illinois School of Social Work Children and Family Research Center that reports findings from interviews with kin caregivers of Black children and youth. The study examines how caregivers and child welfare professionals in Illinois have experienced permanency planning and different permanency options, and their perceptions of racial issues in permanency planning and outcomes. The study found that caregivers who chose guardianship were equally committed to providing permanent support as were those who chose adoption. It also found a need for more systemic and professional capacity for the agency to facilitate substitute care and permanency planning, and a need for more support to kin caregivers.

A one page tip sheet for judges on considerations in cases involving kin, from the ABA Center on Children and the Law, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and NCJFCJ (2016). 

Kin First  document  developed by CHAMPS New York to help promote better outcomes for children in foster care and support  NY counties in preparing to meet the requirements of FFPSA.

Materials from 6/20/24 webinar hosted by the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network focused on why it's important to ask youth about their kin and how you can support staff in engaging youth in this process. Applicable links:

Webinar recording

Webinar slides

Genogram Sample 1

Genogram Sample 2

Scripts & Questions for Modeled Conversations with Youth about Kin

Broward County’s Guide to Engaging Relative & Non-Relative Caregivers

Link to additional kin-focused tools & resources from the Government Performance Lab

Think of Us report that identifies the cultural, experiential, and institutional strengths and challenges of kinship care in select counties in California, Indiana, and New Hampshire through on-the-ground field research with 255 youth, parents, and kin, as well as the 140 agency staff, 93 service providers, and 41 legal professionals that work with them. It also compiles existing kin-first practices through a landscape review and subject-matter expert interviews.