Kinship caregivers—relatives, close family friends, or others with a strong family connection—play an essential role in giving children safe and loving homes when parents aren’t able to. 

Idaho will honor and celebrate them during Idaho Kinship Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, with celebrations happening simultaneously in three locations:

Meridian – Settlers Park, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. MDT

Pocatello – Heritage Park, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. MDT

Coeur d’Alene – Canvas Church, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. PDT

These free events will feature food, fun, and games, along with information on resources and supports available to kinship families. It’s a chance to connect with other caregivers, build community, and be honored for the vital role you play.

What is kinship care?

Kinship care refers to the full-time care, nurturing, and protection of a child by relatives, members of their Tribe or clan, godparents, step-parents, or other adults who have a family relationship with the child (sometimes called fictive kin). Kinship families step in to provide stability and love when parents aren’t able to, and Idaho Kinship Family Day is dedicated to recognizing their contributions.

RSVP

Please RSVP at this link for the location you plan to attend.

Also happening now

Don’t forget about My Family. My Story., a statewide art and expression series that invites children and caregivers to share their personal experiences through art and storytelling. Entries are due by Sept. 1, and selected submissions may be featured in future publications.  Entries received after Sept. 1 will be included in the 2026 series.

More information, including entry forms, is available at the DHW website here.

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