Blog
ASCI Kinship Navigator Celebrates 3 Years
From the Desk of Tara Skibiel, EVP of Child & Family Services
The ASCI Kinship Navigator program is celebrating its three-year anniversary with Allegheny County! Kinship Navigation is foundational in identifying kinship care supports and placement options in situations that require out-of-home care for children. The goal of the program is to ensure children are surrounded by family support, leading to reduced trauma, increased normalcy and a permanency projection.
In an effort to collaborate and work hands-on with the county, our Kinship Navigators are located in each Office of Children, Youth and Families (ACCYF) to ensure seamless communication and teamwork. Since its launch, the program has serviced over 3,000 referrals. The program launched with seven Kinship Navigators and one Family Service Transportation (FST) worker, along with program leadership and administrative support. It has expanded to nine Kinship Navigators, however, ASCI and ACCYF are currently expanding the program to include 15 Navigators and two FSTs to increase the impact the program has on kinship care placements in Allegheny County.
Happy Anniversary, Kinship Navigator team!