Kinship care refers to a heartfelt act where relatives and significant adults in children’s lives step up to take on the role of parents when a child’s biological parents are unable to care for them. 

This September DHW is hosting celebrations to commemorate Idaho’s kinship care families during National Kinship Care Month. 

My Family. My Story. entries due by Aug. 30

My Family. My Story is an annual art and expression series that seeks to raise awareness of the unique needs of caregivers, children, and youth in kinship families, as well as to help them feel connected to others in similar circumstances.

Artworks or expressions will be accepted through Aug. 30 and can include drawings, paintings, poetry, and more. The series is open to caregivers, children, and youth in kinship care (or who have previously been in kinship care), as well as to professionals that work alongside kinship families. 

My Family. My Story. entries are recognized and celebrated at each Idaho Kinship Family Day, as well as published online. For more information or to submit entries, please visit: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/my-family-my-story. 

Idaho Kinship Family Day slated for Sept. 21

Idaho Kinship Family Day will be celebrated Sept. 21 at outdoor parks in Boise, Idaho Falls and Coeur d’ Alene. The events will include food, games, prizes, and activities for families to participate in together, as well as information and resources about kinship care.  

Events in all three cities are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and specific locations are as follows:

• Boise - Kristen Armstrong Municipal Park Shelter, 500 S. Walnut St.
• Coeur d’Alene - Borah Elementary, 632 E. Borah Ave.
• Idaho Falls - South Capital Park, 270 S. Capital Ave.

Activities and events are linked to supporting relatives and kin who are caring for children and promoting resources that support the health, safety, and stability of children and families. The activities also support services that help prevent children from entering formal foster care so they can stay with their kin.  For more information and to RSVP for the celebration, please visit Idaho Kinship Family Day Celebration.

Though there are many kinship caregivers in Idaho, many aren’t aware of assistance that’s available to them. There is a list of resources available on the  2-1-1 Idaho CareLine web page or by calling 2-1-1. 

Resources include financial, legal, kinship navigation, support, respite, and educational information. If you are a kinship caregiver, and if you know a kinship caregiver, please pass along this information about the resources available to help them in their labor of love.

Let’s come together to honor and celebrate the kinship families of Idaho, who embody the essence of love, selflessness, and care. Their stories inspire us all, and it’s our privilege to support and recognize their commitment to the well-being of the children they hold dear.

For more information on resources and supports available to kinship caregivers and children, visit the DHW website at https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/services-programs/kinship-and-caregiving.

Jen Haddad is a program manager with the Services Integration Bureau at the Department of Health and Welfare. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.