Kin-first Systems Spotlight: The Kinship-Centric Child Welfare Model Puts Family First:
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.
Guided by our deeply held values and the empowering principles of the Integrated Core Practice Model, we aspire to cultivate lasting change in the child welfare system. We believe that children's well-being is best served when they remain with their parents, or when safety concerns arise, live with their family, which includes relatives, non-relative extended family, community and Tribes. It is our belief that this path is the surest way to mitigate trauma, promote healing, and ultimately achieve equity in our communities.
Racial equity is not just a commitment; it's at the core of our work. We are unwavering in our resolve to eradicate the disparities and disproportionality faced by Black and Native American children and families within the child welfare system, striving for a more just and equitable future.
Nurturing Stability: The Impact of Kin First Care
Our commitment to a Kin-First approach shapes a culture that prioritizes family bonds. And our approach is a data-backed success story of how embracing kinship culture has led to remarkable outcomes for children and families in California. Today, we present an insightful infographic that unveils the powerful influence and benefits of Kin-First Culture.
Data analysis has shed light on the notable advantages of kinship foster care for children, revealing a higher likelihood for them to stay with their initial placement. The research highlights a significant trend wherein children in kinship foster care exhibit remarkable stability, with a lower rate of reentry into the foster care system within the crucial 12-month period following their initial exit. The data also highlights a positive outcome for sibling relationships, as children are more likely to be placed with their siblings, fostering a sense of continuity and familial connection. These findings highlight the importance and effectiveness of kinship foster care in providing a supportive and stable environment for children during a critical time in their lives.
The impact of kinship foster care extends beyond placement stability, significantly influencing the emotional well-being and overall development of children. Placing children in kinship care not only fosters a sense of belonging but also contributes to a reduction in trauma experienced. This sense of belonging, rooted in familial connections, has been linked to notable improvements in positive mental health, with children exhibiting resilience and a decreased likelihood of experiencing behavioral issues. The supportive and nurturing environment provided translates into tangible benefits in education, as children in such placements often show improvements in academic performance. The overarching theme of stability, both emotional and environmental, reinforces the idea that kinship foster care positively shapes the lives of children.
The data and insights into kinship foster care affirm its pivotal role in transforming the trajectories of children in need. In recognizing the profound implications of kinship placements, we pave the way for children, armed with a sense of belonging, to navigate life's challenges with strength, purpose, and the support of a loving, stable family.
Upcoming Events
Kin-First Models and Approaches to Creating Systems Change
January 9, 2024, 10am-12pm (PST)
This webinar will delve into the power of Kin-First Culture and the transformative programs that are redefining family connections. Register for this engaging session to explore how agencies can form meaningful partnerships to help children and youth stay connected with their family, extended family, and community.
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