Kinship care is when grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, or other “kin” step in to raise a child or children who can no longer stay with a biological parent. Even others in a close family-like relationship, such as godparents or close family friends, can be considered for kinship care.

Adoption is the process of establishing a legal relationship between a child and a parent other than the child’s biological parent. It shifts all rights and responsibilities for raising the child to the adoptive parent.

Kinship Care

According to the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network, ”over 2.4 million children are being raised in kinship/grandfamilies in the United States.” Grandparents typically care for their grandchildren for 5 years or longer.

Overall, 7.8 million children live with a relative other than their biological parent as the head of the household. Child Welfare prioritizes placing children with a relative or close family friend whenever possible.

Research has found that it is always better for children to remain with someone in their family rather than enter foster care. However, a child can enter foster care but still be cared for by a relative or other “kin.”

Outcomes such as greater stability, better behavioral and mental health outcomes, and the ability for siblings to stay together make kinship care a better option than foster care.

However, this type of care often occurs after a tragedy or some form of neglect, requiring a family member to quickly decide whether to take the child(ren). There’s little or no pre-placement preparation for the family.

Unlike parents, kin caregivers do not have automatic legal rights for the children in their care. Therefore, making decisions about healthcare, education, relocating, etc., becomes difficult. They may also lack financial resources, transportation, or the necessary space in their home for children.

Adoption

For a child to be legally adopted, the biological parents must agree to terminate their rights voluntarily. When working with Christian Family Services, an expectant mother or birth mother signs an Adoption Agreement to pursue an adoption through the agency. This Adoption Agreement allows Christian Family Services to support an expectant mother as needed.

Some of the services we can offer include:

• Medical Care
• Food and Financial Support
• Safe Housing
• Transportation Assistance
• Emotional Support and Guidance
• Community Referrals

The expectant mother can choose the adoptive parents who raise her child and develop a communication agreement to continue contact. She establishes the future she wants her child to have.

Legal adoption provides permanency for a child. They have a sense of belonging and feel safe knowing they are loved and cared for. When the biological parents continue contact, the child learns about their heritage, giving them a strong sense of identity.

Adoption Through Christian Family Services

Only you can determine the best future for you and your child. The compassionate caseworkers at Christian Family Services want you to be confident in your decision. We encourage you to set up a no-cost appointment to ask questions and discuss the possibility of placing your child for adoption.

You’re welcome to view our waiting families, too. You have a bright future moving forward. Let us know how we can help you.