New law helps relatives and family friends care for kids, providing an alternative to placement in foster care

DENVER (September 23, 2024) – The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) celebrates a new state law that provides more resources for kinship caregivers of children in child welfare cases. The Kinship Foster Care law increases support for those known as kinship caregivers, who can include a child’s relatives, family or friends, by:

• Providing financial assistance to non-certified kinship caregivers who are unexpectedly caring for children and youth they know who are involved in a child welfare case. This includes money for goods and services needed for the child’s basic care, such as beds, clothing, and transportation costs, as well as some rental or housing assistance.
• Developing separate certification standards for kinship caregivers to expedite the process and reducing barriers to certification of kin without compromising safety.

“This is a significant victory for Colorado families, as it strengthens the support for kinship caregivers, ensuring that more children and youth can grow up in the comfort of a familiar environment,” said Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Human Services, Michelle Barnes. “As CDHS continues to expand our support for kinship caregivers, we are committed to creating environments where children are safe and loved, especially during times of uncertainty.”

Research from the Annie E. Casey Family Foundation shows that when children and youth cannot remain with their parents, kinship care can help them thrive. Benefits include:

Reduced trauma by providing familiarity, continuity, and retention of familial ties.

• Improved mental health outcomes.
• Fewer behavioral problems and better social outcomes.
• Better educational outcomes and stability.
• Greater stability in placements and higher levels of permanency.
• Preserve important cultural, ethnic, racial, and traditional connections to their communities of origin.
• Stronger ties to the child’s biological family.
• Higher placement satisfaction for children and youth, including feelings of love and belonging.

“Kinship care is less disruptive for children and youth,” said Debbie Oldenettel, Director of the Office of Children, Youth, and Families. “The approach not only preserves vital family connections, but also supports the child’s emotional and cultural identity, which are critical for long-term success.”

September is also National Kinship Care Month, which honors the important role kinship caregivers have in the lives of children and youth who temporarily cannot stay with their parents or guardians.

Learn more about the Kinship services through CDHS by visiting Kinship | Colorado Department of Human Services.

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