It’s National Kinship Care Month, a time to honor the role of relatives and non-related kin who provide loving homes for children when their birth parents are unable to care for them. This might include grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, family friends, coaches, teachers or neighbors who have an existing relationship with the child. The goal of kinship care is to maintain the child’s connection to their normal surroundings — both family and community.

When a child needs to be placed out of home, finding caring relatives or non-related kin such as teachers or neighbors is a top priority for KVC. “We dig deep into the family tree and try to contact anyone for possible placement,” shares Kimberly Smith, LPC, Director of Kinship Services. “Kinship care can be more like building a family forest than a family tree.” Kinship care helps children maintain connections to their roots and receive the support and love of their extended family. Learn more about kinship care! 

Simone Bile’s Kinship Adoption Story

Simone’s parents have been some of her biggest cheerleaders since she was a little girl discovering her love for gymnastics. Simone’s grandparents adopted her from foster care when she was six. They have been a guiding force, steady presence and support system for Simone throughout her life and career. And they maintain a strong and loving family bond. They have provided the stability and nurturing she needs and have kept her motivated. Learn more about Simone’s journey from foster care to kinship adoption here.