When a child cannot safely remain with their parents, relatives and close family friends may step in to provide care and stability. This is called kinship care.
Kinship caregivers can be grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, cousins, or trusted family friends. What they all have in common is that they already know the child and can help them stay connected to their family, school, and community.
The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) supports kinship caregivers in many ways. It is important to know that kinship care is not the same as the Relative Caregiver program.
- Kinship care is the overall idea of relatives or close family friends caring for a child.
- The Relative Caregiver Program is one type of support that is available to eligible relatives caring for children who might otherwise enter state custody.
DCS works to connect caregivers with the right support based on their situation.
Training and Support for Families
Caring for a child is a big responsibility, and DCS offers training to help caregivers feel prepared and supported.
Families can learn more by visiting:
These resources include helpful topics like understanding children's needs, building strong relationships, and keeping children safe. Some trainings may also include CPR and First Aid. There are even optional classes, like TN KEY, for caregivers who want to learn more.
Why Kinship Care Matters
Kinship care helps children feel safe during a difficult time. Being with someone they know can reduce stress and help them feel more secure. It can also help children stay in the same school and keep important relationships.
DCS works with families across Tennessee to support children in safe, caring homes. If you are thinking about becoming a kinship caregiver, these resources are a great place to start.