- Services
Core Services
Families First
Children and teens belong with their own families whenever possible. KVC works to safely reunify hundreds of families each year by providing parenting skills training, therapy and other support.
Caring People Needed
On any given day, KVC Kansas provides out-of-home care for thousands of children and teens. Relatives, non-related kin like teachers and neighbors, and foster parents are all critical to providing temporary care for these children and teens. See how you can make a difference as a foster parent.
- Get Involved
Children and Families Need You
Through KVC, you can strengthen families, prevent child abuse and neglect, and help create a bright future where every person is safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community. Please join us today! Learn More
Help Children and Families in Need
- Explore the Best Ways to Get Involved
- Become a Foster Parent
- Explore Careers
- Donate Money or Basic Supplies
- Donate School Supplies
- Donate Holiday Gifts
- Involve Your Faith Community
- Volunteer
- Explore Internship & Practicum Opportunities
- Advocate Resources
- Download Parenting and Mental Health Resources
- Events
- Impact
- Resources
Overview
Our free resources help you stay informed and educated about foster care, child welfare, adoption, mental health and childhood trauma as well as how KVC Kansas is working toward building healthier communities.
- About Us
About KVC Kansas
KVC Kansas is a private, nonprofit organization that serves over 12,000 children, teens and adults each year. Our team of caring professionals provides family strengthening and foster care prevention services, foster care case management, family reunification services, foster family recruitment and support, kinship care, adoption, aftercare, outpatient therapy and more.
We envision a world in which every person is safe and connected to a strong family and a healthy community.
- Blog
Kinship Care
When a child you know needs support, you may be able to help.
Sometimes a child cannot safely remain at home and a relative or trusted adult is asked to step in quickly. That moment can bring a lot of emotions and even more questions.
You may be wondering:
- What happens next?
- Can the child stay with me?
- Do I qualify?
- What support is available?
- How long will this last?
You do not have to figure this out alone.
At KVC Kansas, we partner with kinship caregivers every day to help children stay connected to familiar relationships, community and support.
What is Kinship Care?
Kinship care is when a child is cared for by someone they already know and trust. This may include:
- Grandparents
- Aunts or uncles
- Adult siblings
- Cousins
- Extended family members
- Close family friends
- Other trusted adults connected to the child
When children can safely remain connected to familiar people, routines and relationships, it can help create more stability during a difficult time.
Common Questions
Not always.
Some kinship caregivers provide care without becoming licensed. Others may choose to pursue licensure to access additional support and resources.
Our team can help explain what may apply to your situation.
View the benefits of becoming licensed as a relative or kinship caregiver.
In many situations, relatives or trusted adults are considered first.
Timing and next steps depend on the child’s circumstances, safety requirements and approval processes.
If you are trying to help a child right now, our team can help you understand the next step.
No.
Many kinship caregivers rent, live in apartments or have different living arrangements.
What matters most is whether the environment can safely support the child’s needs.
Support may be available depending on your situation and eligibility.
This may include support related to:
- Financial assistance
- Medical coverage
- Childcare
- School-related needs
- Community resources
Our team can help walk you through available options.
Every situation is different.
Depending on the circumstances, children may continue having contact with their parents while longer-term plans are determined.
Your team will help explain expectations, visitation plans and what your role may look like.
That depends on the child’s situation and the goals established for their care.
Some placements are temporary. Others may continue longer while long-term plans are determined.
Our team can help you understand what to expect.
If you are currently involved in kinship care, we encourage you to use the following services and resources.
Food, clothing, financial and utility services
Daycare centers
- Child Care Aware
- Daycare Information
- KVC Application for Daycare
- KVC Employment Verification for Daycare
- KVC Daycare Attendance Form
- KVC Daycare Policies
Child development
Coming soon.
Behavior management
Navigating complex family relationships
Coming soon.
Understanding the legal process
Coming soon.
Support groups and foster/adoption ministries
We Support You at Every Step
Common Questions
Not always.
Some kinship caregivers provide care without becoming licensed. Others may choose to pursue licensure to access additional support and resources.
Our team can help explain what may apply to your situation.
View the benefits of becoming licensed as a relative or kinship caregiver.
In many situations, relatives or trusted adults are considered first.
Timing and next steps depend on the child’s circumstances, safety requirements and approval processes.
If you are trying to help a child right now, our team can help you understand the next step.
No.
Many kinship caregivers rent, live in apartments or have different living arrangements.
What matters most is whether the environment can safely support the child’s needs.
Support may be available depending on your situation and eligibility.
This may include support related to:
- Financial assistance
- Medical coverage
- Childcare
- School-related needs
- Community resources
Our team can help walk you through available options.
Every situation is different.
Depending on the circumstances, children may continue having contact with their parents while longer-term plans are determined.
Your team will help explain expectations, visitation plans and what your role may look like.
That depends on the child’s situation and the goals established for their care.
Some placements are temporary. Others may continue longer while long-term plans are determined.
Our team can help you understand what to expect.
If you are currently involved in kinship care, we encourage you to use the following services and resources.
Food, clothing, financial and utility services
Daycare centers
- Child Care Aware
- Daycare Information
- KVC Application for Daycare
- KVC Employment Verification for Daycare
- KVC Daycare Attendance Form
- KVC Daycare Policies
Child development
Coming soon.
Behavior management
Navigating complex family relationships
Coming soon.
Understanding the legal process
Coming soon.
Support groups and foster/adoption ministries
You are not expected to navigate this alone. KVC works alongside kinship caregivers to help children and families feel supported, informed and connected. Depending on your situation, your support team may include:
Case Manager
Helps coordinate the bigger picture and supports planning for the child and family.
Family Support Worker
Provides day-to-day support, coordination and guidance.
Parent Mentor
A parent with lived experience who understands how overwhelming these moments can feel and can offer encouragement and support. The KVC Kansas Parent Mentor program was created by parents, for parents.
Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
A court-appointed individual focused on the child’s best interests.
Community Resources
Additional services and supports that may help strengthen stability for both the child and caregiver.
Get to Know Our Kinship Team!
In Kansas, the average rate of kinship care rate is 47% of children in foster care, which is much better than the national average of 30%. This is better for children and families. Click here to learn more about the process.
