Kinship Care
Kinship Care is when a relative or non-relative has taken over the full-time care, nurturing and protection of a child. The definition for kinship caregivers also goes beyond the scope of blood relatives and may include an adult who has a familiar relationship/bond with the child and/or family.
Franklin County Children Services coordinates several programs that provide support and resources for kinship families. Also visit Grandparents.com for advice and tools for kinship care.
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KINSHIP CARE SERVICES
The purpose of the Kinship Care program is to provide support services to those extended family members who accept the charge of caregiver at Franklin County Children Services case closure. This service will be provided through financial assistance, service linkage, support groups, and one-to-one counseling (when needed).
The goal is to provide needed support to:
• Help strengthen the home that has taken on new and challenging family dynamics as a Kinship Care provider
• Avoid disruption and the return to open case services and/or placement
Kinship Care Specialist
One purpose of the Kinship Care Specialist is to identify potential caregivers from the names provided by the family and service team/case manager. The process for selecting a potential caregiver is as follows:
• Contacting potential caregiver(s)
• Scheduling a home visit with potential caregiver(s)
• Completion of a home study
• Police/Sheriff checks of all adults that reside in the potential caregiver(s) residence
• Scheduling for fingerprinting for all adults that reside in the home
• Explanation of the agency’s Kinship Care program/services
Franklin County Children Services Kinship Care program will provide supportive services to eligible kinship families at case closure.
Kinship Services Available
The Kinship Care program will be offering the following services to Franklin County Children Services (closed case) Kinship Care providers. All applicants must meet the federal poverty guidelines to qualify. Some of the areas hold a one time limit and other areas hold annual limits
- Beds, Cribs, and Dressers (one time only)
- Clothing Gift Cards
- Deposit/Rent/Mortgage or Utility Assistance (one time only)
- Food Gift Cards
- Monthly Bus Passes
- Respite Care
- Summer Camp
- Kinship Provides Support Groups and Workshops
For more information, please contact:
Frieda McKarn
Kinship Care Specialist
Franklin County Children Services
855 West Mound Street
Columbus, OH 43223
(614) 341-6175
(614) 275-2755 – Fax
