Resources for Kinship Caregivers
The NYS Kinship Navigator is an information, referral and advocacy program for kinship caregivers in New York State. A kinship caregiver is an individual that is caring for a child that is not biologically their own. In New York State, there are an estimated 179,000 caregivers, 131,000 of whom are grandparents. Many others are aunts and uncles.
Kinship care refers to grandparents, other relatives, and even family friends who are caring for children. Most kinship caregivers are not foster parents and privately provide full time care for children.
For all kinship families in New York State, the Kinship Navigator provides information, referrals, and assistance via its website and toll-free telephone line. The Kinship Navigator provides information on a wide range of kinship topics, including:
National, State, and Local Resources and Services for Kinship Families
Federal and State Laws about Kinship Care
Financial Assistance Grants for Kinship Families
The Navigator seeks to assist these caregivers by providing information on financial assistance, legal information and referrals, and other types of issues that caregivers face when raising children in order to provide stability and permanency in the home. Call us today for more information!
Our County Resources allow kinship caregivers to find resources specific to the county they reside in. Each county displays kinship, legal, aging, youth, and any other services that are available in that county, along with program descriptions and contact information.
Kinship Navigator: 1-877-454-6463 Visit: www.nysnavigator.org
Helpful Publications from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services
Having a Voice & a Choice, New York State Handbook for Relatives Raising Children | Spanish Version
Know Your Permanacy Options: The Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP)
Make and Informed Choice: Kin Caring for Child | Spanish Version
Know Your Resources: Nonparent Caregiver Benefits | Spanish Version
Know Your Options: Kin Caring for Children | Spanish Version | Additonal Language Translations Available on the OCFS Website
Additional Resources
Latino Grandfamilies: Helping Latino Children Thrive Through Connection to Culture and Family.
Partnering With Relatives to Promote Reunification
GRANDFACTS New York State Fact Sheet
Grandfamilies.org - advocacy organization for kinship caregivers
Generations United/ Grandfamilies
Kinship Caregivers and the Child Welfare System
Kinship Care - by the Child Welfare Information Gateway-provides resources for both kinship caregivers as well as child welfare professionals working with kinship families
African American Grandfamilies: Helping Children Thrive Through Connection to Family and Culture
Helpful Articles
Grandparents, Grandchildren, and Caregiving: The Impacts of America’s Substance Abuse Crisis
Substance use, most recently the opioid epidemic, is hurting America’s families and often placing greater responsibility upon grandparents to care for their grandchildren. To learn more about this increasing phenomenon click here