September is Kinship Care Month: Explore Our Refreshed Webpage Containing Kinship Resources

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September is National Kinship Care Month, a time to recognize the vital role kinship caregivers play in the lives of Colorado’s children and youth. Kinship care, whether provided by relatives, friends, neighbors, or other trusted adults, offers stability and comfort, significantly reducing the trauma of separation when children cannot remain in their homes.

The Office of Children, Aging and Community Services is excited to announce the launch of our newly refreshed Kinship webpage at cdhs.colorado.gov/kinship. This resource hub has been redesigned to provide a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate list of supports specifically for kinship caregivers and the professionals who work alongside them.

«Our updated webpage is designed to be a one-stop-shop for kinship families and the professionals who support them, ensuring that the critical resources they need are just a click away,” said Jeannie Berzinskas, Kinship Administrator. 

The redesigned portal connects caregivers directly with essential services and tools across every stage of caregiving:

Resource Category	Key Support Services & Tools Included
Meeting Basic Needs	Food, rental/mortgage assistance, LEAP energy assistance, Colorado Works (TANF), and PEAK benefits.
Physical Health & Wellness	Health First Colorado (Medicaid), dental care networks, WIC, and SNAP nutrition assistance.
Mental Health & Behavioral Services	Free counseling via I Matter, early childhood mental health supports, and 24/7 crisis access via 988.
Peer & Community Support	Peer networking through Raise the Future, Be the Source, Parent to Parent of Colorado, and local family groups.
Education & Early Care	Universal Preschool (UPK), Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), and special education navigation.
Legal & Certification Guidance	Certification application forms, background check guidelines, and legal toolkits for relatives.

As we celebrate this month, it is important to reflect on the evolving landscape of kinship care in Colorado. From September 2025 to August 2026 alone, over half (53%) of children entering foster care were first placed with kinship caregivers. There have also been significant strides in certification, which helps provide essential support to these families. Between September 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, the number of children placed in certified kinship foster care through Colorado’s child welfare system rose by 22%. Additionally, provisional kinship certifications, a temporary certification for kin families completing requirements, increased by 49% during that same period, reflecting a successful effort to reduce barriers and ease burdens for families. 

Whether you are seeking information on financial assistance, mental health services, peer support or legal guidance our new page is here to support you. We invite you to explore these updated resources at cdhs.colorado.gov/kinship and join us in celebrating the incredible families who make Colorado a stronger, more connected community.