Blog
Celebrating Kinship Care: ASCI’s Commitment to Strengthening Family Ties
September is National Kinship Care Month, a time to honor the invaluable role that kinship caregivers play in nurturing children and providing them with stable, loving homes. At ASCI, this month holds special significance as we spotlight our Kinship Care Supportive Services Initiative (KCSSI), a program dedicated to supporting these often-unseen heroes—family and friends who step in to care for children outside the traditional child welfare system. This recognition aligns with our commitment to enhancing the lives of kinship families and preventing children from entering formal care by offering tailored support and resources. As we celebrate National Kinship Care Month, we reflect on the profound impact of these caregivers and reaffirm our dedication to providing them with the essential tools and services they need to succeed.
In line with this commitment, ASCI University’s Stacy Wright Carwise, Senior Director of the Family and Children Together (FACT) Program and the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department, sheds light on the Kinship Care Supportive Services Initiative (KCSSI) and its objectives. This initiative, vital to ASCI’s mission, addresses the needs of children who are not in the child welfare system and supports grandparents raising their grandchildren through a collaboration with the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and the Department of Human Services. By focusing on this often-overlooked demographic, KCSSI aims to provide essential support and prevent children from entering the formal child welfare system.
Kinship care is integral to the nurturing growth and development of our children, who are our future. It’s the least traumatic placement for a child. In many BIPOC cultures, the family is the village, stepping in to raise children when needed. Championing kinship care helps eliminate trauma and supports these families.
Stacy Carwise
ASCI’s Kinship Caregiver Support Services Initiative offers a range of resources. The organization also addresses food insecurity by providing food boxes and referring families to community resources. KCSSI assists with transportation, access to support groups, and food services through its resource navigation program. Carwise recounts a case where a grandmother needed help for her grandson to attend a summer program. ASCI facilitated his participation by coordinating transportation. Despite these efforts, the challenges caregivers face includes a lack of awareness about available support and difficulties in accessing services.
The key challenge is making sure caregivers know we are here. This is a new program, and we’re working on our marketing and recruitment efforts. Feedback has been positive, with caregivers expressing gratitude for the support and resources we provide, such as the $1,000 stipend that helped families with essential expenses.
Stacy Carwise
To ensure the sustainability of KCSSI, ASCI remains attentive to the needs of kinship families. Carwise explains, “We listen to what families need and provide support beyond standard services, including mental health triage through the CARES program when necessary. Our goal is to prevent children from entering the child welfare system by addressing needs proactively.”
Looking ahead, Carwise envisions expanding KCSSI’s impact through increased advocacy and funding.
My goal is to secure adequate funding and strengthen our partnership with the Area Agency on Aging. I want the program to flourish and significantly impact our communities.
Stacy Carwise
The community can support ASCI’s efforts by advocating for kinship families and children, whether they are in or out of the child welfare system Carwise urges, “Children deserve stability and thriving environments regardless of their circumstances. Advocacy helps ensure they receive the support they need.”
For kinship caregivers seeking resources, Carwise advises, “ASCI has been dedicated to family and forever homes for 30 years. We strive to be a one-stop shop for assistance, creating resources as needed. Our goal is to ensure every child is safe and thriving.”
As we honor National Kinship Care Month, we reaffirm our commitment to the invaluable kinship caregivers who provide essential stability and love to children in need. Their role is vital, and through initiatives like KCSSI, ASCI is dedicated to supporting them with the resources and services required to ensure their success. By addressing the unique challenges these families face and advocating for necessary funding and support, we aim to create a lasting impact on their lives. We encourage the community to join us in this mission, advocating for the well-being of all children and kinship families, and working together to build a future where every child can flourish in a safe and nurturing environment.