Kin-First Blog Posts

At the heart of our mission lies Kin-first Culture, a concept that prioritizes preserving familial bonds and community connections within the child welfare system. When children experience trauma at home, interventions must prioritize maintaining familial connections whenever possible to foster healing within the fabric of kinship networks.

Celebrating the 2023 Kin-First Symposia and Embracing More for 2024 It's a Brand New Year!

The Center for Excellences in Family Finding, Engagement and Support is at full speed for 2024, but we'd be remiss to miss this opportunity to reflect upon the recent success of the 2023 Kin-First Symposia.

178 Northern and 143 Southern California attendees learned from statewide and national experts and participated in the important discussion on how to stop the separation of children from their families and communities, and instead keep them connected to those they love.

On Nov. 7 and Dec.

Putting Family First: The Kinship-Centric Child Welfare Model The Center for Excellence Vision

Our vision is that every child finds solace and safety within the loving embrace of their family, especially during times of separation from their parents. The Center for Excellence is dedicated to ensuring that children remain unified with their families, communities, and Tribes.

Funding Opportunities, Consultation and TA

In a significant move, the Budget Act of 2022 allocated $150 million General Fund (GF) in one-time funding to be used for permanency work. Funding must be used for specialized permanency services and supports, including training, staffing, outreach and implementation. Opt-in is required by June 30, 2025.

"There is no more culturally relevant resource than family.”  Read about what it means to commit to a kin-first culture and meet the CFE Advisory Committee.

Youth in California’s foster care system will soon have a new statewide resource to help keep them connected to family – one of the goals of California’s foster care system.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) are launching the Center for Excellence in Family Finding, Engagement and Support (Center) to support county child welfare agency efforts to keep youth linked with their family members.