The Department of Health and Welfare will celebrate kinship families with four events across the state this Saturday, Sept. 12, as part of National Kinship Care Month.
Idaho Kinship Family Day events will be held simultaneously from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Orah Brandt Park in Nampa, Cascade Park in Twin Falls, South Capital Park in Idaho Falls, and Canvas Church in Coeur d’Alene. Times are for the local time zone in each city.
The free events will bring kinship families together for activities, connection, and information about resources and supports available to caregivers. Kinship families and others who want to celebrate and support them are invited to attend.
“Kinship caregivers step up for children at a time when stability, familiarity, and connection can make an enormous difference,” said DHW Director Juliet Charron. “These events are an opportunity to celebrate the grandparents, relatives, family friends, and others who open their homes to children and help them stay connected to the people and communities they know.”
Kinship care occurs when relatives or others with significant connections to children provide care when children cannot remain with their parents. For children experiencing a major change in their lives, placement with kin can reduce disruption while preserving important connections to family, culture, schools, communities, and other relationships.
Identifying and engaging kin early is an important part of Idaho’s child welfare work. Kinship placements can help minimize placement changes and maintain relationships that support children throughout their lives. Kinship caregivers often take on their roles unexpectedly and may need help navigating new financial, household, and family responsibilities.
September is National Kinship Care Month, which recognizes the contributions of kinship caregivers and the important role they play in the lives of children and families.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.