The Facts , The Support , and the Fun !!!
Kinship Care
The Facts , The Support , and the Fun !!!
The Facts
Four months ago , I was not very familiar with the term “ Kinship Care ”. After accepting the position of Family Care Coordinator at the Fannin County Family Connection , that has grown by leaps and bounds !
Kinship care is when a child is cared for by a relative or family friend when , for various reasons , their parents are unable to do so . Among the myriad reasons some parents are unable to care for their children are :
• Poverty
• Drug abuse
• Abandonment
• Abuse or neglect
• Mental illness
• Parental anxiety
• Unresolved trauma
• Incarceration
In the United States alone , as of September 2024 , over 2.4 million children are members of kinship families . It is estimated that informal kinship families save U . S . taxpayers $ 4 billion a year .
The History
Based on information collected from clients of the FCFC food pantry , many grandparents , greatgrandparents , and other family members have found themselves becoming members of KINSHIP FAMILIES . Discussions and interaction with caregivers led to the creation of the Family Care program at Fannin County Family Connection . The mission and vision of Family Care aligns perfectly with Fannin County Family Connection ’ s . The vision is for a community of healthy and safe children and families . While the mission is caring for families , connecting with resources and collaboration with key organization .
The Support
Monthly Family Care Support Group – 2nd Thursday of each month at 10:30am
Since Family Care ’ s inception in 2023 there has been a monthly Family Care Support Group where kinship caregivers can come together to discuss any problems they might be facing .
We know that it can be difficult to share problems with strangers . These meetings offer the opportunity for camaraderie and close interaction with one another . We provide a confidential and safe environment for communicating and sharing some of the unique problems our caregivers might be facing . From those meetings , FCFC has been able to assist with utility bills , glasses , gasoline , trips to doctor ’ s appointments , and financial advice , through Copper Basin Credit Union , to name a few . In one instance help was given toward eliminating credit card debt and loss of a home . That caregiver said the Family Support group “ opened up her life and gave her hope . I didn ’ t know what to do . I was losing my house ”. We also discuss upcoming fun and entertaining events for kids and grandparents alike .
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