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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Your Guide to Becoming a Licensed Kinship Caregiver
Caring for a relative or someone you know who is in foster care is a big responsibility and you don’t have to do it alone. Becoming a licensed relative or kinship caregiver is the next step to ensure you have the support, financial assistance and resources you need to care for a child or teen. Licensing helps children remain safely with family while giving caregivers added stability, guidance and peace of mind.
Why Become Licensed?
Licensure connects you with additional support designed to help your family succeed.
Financial Support
Licensed caregivers receive the full daily rate the child qualifies for to help cover everyday needs like food, clothing and school supplies.
Childcare Assistance
Eligible caregivers can continue receiving childcare assistance while balancing work, school and caregiving responsibilities.
Ongoing Guidance
You’ll have a dedicated KVC team to answer questions, guide you through licensing and provide support long after you’re licensed.
Foster Family Therapist Support
Licensed caregivers have access to a Foster Family Therapist who can provide coaching, guidance and emotional support for your entire household.
The Licensing Process
We keep the licensing process as clear and supportive as possible and walk with you every step of the way.
Note: This is a simplified version of the process.
Training That Prepares You & Builds Confidence
Training is designed to help you feel prepared for the journey ahead. You’ll build practical skills, learn what to expect and connect with experienced professionals who are here to support you.
Choose the training path that’s right for you.
MAPP Foundations / Deciding Together
Weekly classes (approximately 3 hours per week) that help you understand children’s needs and build the skills to provide a safe, stable and nurturing home.
Kinship Path
Designed specifically for relatives and trusted adults, this 10-week course (2 hours per week) focuses on the unique experiences of kinship caregiving.
Required Training
Before becoming licensed, you’ll also complete:
- First Aid
- Medication Administration
Preparing Your Home
Licensing isn’t about having a perfect home. It’s about creating a safe environment where children can thrive.
During the licensing process, we’ll walk through your home with you and explain each requirement.
Common safety requirements include:
- Smoke detectors in bedrooms
- A safe sleeping space for the child
- Locked medications and cleaning supplies
- Secure firearm and ammunition storage, if applicable
- Baby gates for children under age 2, when needed
If your home doesn’t meet every requirement today, we’ll help you understand what’s needed and guide you through the process. Waivers are often possible, and our team will clearly explain expectations and help you make changes if needed.
Your Support Team
When you become a licensed kinship caregiver, you’ll have a team beside you from your first conversation through licensure and beyond.
Licensing Specialist
Guides you through paperwork, home walkthroughs, training and licensing requirements.
Foster Parent Support Team
Provides ongoing guidance, resources and support after licensure as you care for the child in your home.
Foster Family Therapist
Offers coaching and support to help strengthen relationships and support the wellbeing of everyone in your home.
We’re With You Every Step of the Way
Choosing to become a licensed kinship caregiver is a meaningful decision. You’ll have guidance, resources and a dedicated team to support you throughout the process and beyond.
Whether you’re ready to get started or simply have questions, we’re here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinship Care in Kansas
Relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings and cousins may qualify. In some situations, trusted adults like family friends, teachers, coaches or mentors may also be eligible to provide care.
Yes. Licensed relative and kinship caregivers receive the full daily rate the child qualifies for, helping cover everyday expenses like food, clothing and other essential needs.
Every family’s situation is different. Many caregivers receive a temporary license while completing the remaining requirements for full licensure. Our team will explain what to expect based on your circumstances.
No. Licensing focuses on safety, not perfection. We’ll explain the requirements, answer your questions and help you prepare your home. In some situations, waivers may be available.
You’ll have a dedicated KVC team to guide you through licensing and provide ongoing support, training and resources after you’re licensed. KVC’s kinship program is designed to help children remain in a safe, supportive family setting while caregivers receive continued guidance and assistance.
A member of our Kinship Team will contact you to learn more about your situation, answer your questions and explain your next steps. There’s no obligation to move forward.