Families come together in all kinds of ways, and for many Idaho children, that means being cared for by grandparents, aunts and uncles, or family friends who step forward to provide safe and loving homes when parents are unable to do so. These kinship caregivers provide stability, love, and a sense of belonging in times of uncertainty.
The Department of Health and Welfare’s My Family. My Story. art and expression series celebrates those connections by giving children, youth and caregivers a creative space to share their experiences. Through drawings, poems, essays, and other creative expressions, participants share what family means to them. This may include the challenges they’ve faced, the strength they’ve found in one another, and the long-lasting bonds that define kinship care.
Entries this year encompassed a range of submissions that included stories, essays, drawings, and a hand-made quilt created by a kinship caregiver to provide comfort and warmth.
One drawing featured a family standing closely together and a short essay that concluded: "I would tell other kids living with relatives that you learn lots of stuff like math, reading, traveling, history, and how much you are loved."
Some of the entries from past years offer a window into what this year also echoed. One grandchild wrote of her grandfather as her “hero in real life,” highlighting how ordinary acts of care carry deep meaning. Another narrated the journey from broken dreams to restored hope. Others drew images of safety, security, and connection.
At its core, the series seeks to provide a platform for voices that are often overlooked — children growing up with relatives or significant adults, and the caregivers who step into loving, sometimes complex, roles.
Beyond the artwork itself, DHW ties submissions into broader community events like Idaho Kinship Family Day, where submitted art is displayed in story walks and shared with those who attend.
While each piece is personal, collectively they make a powerful point: kinship care is not just a safety net, but a foundation for resilience and connection.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.
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