If you’re a relative or someone with a significant bond with a child in Arizona, and the Department of Child Safety (DCS) has placed that child in your care, you’re a kinship caregiver. Arizona has over 4,000 kinship caregivers, and your commitment is highly valued. It’s important you know about the resources and support systems available to you.
Support Team for Kinship Caregivers
For those in or able to reach Maricopa or Pima County, Kinship Information Sessions offer valuable insights. Learn directly from DCS, attorneys, DES, and licensing agencies about available supports. For session dates, times, and locations, please call (520) 323-4476 for Pima County or (480) 748-9269 for Maricopa County.
Understanding the financial and other challenges kinship caregivers face is crucial. Below is an overview of DCS financial supports designed to ease the costs of caring for your loved ones, along with non-financial supports to assist you in navigating your role as a kinship caregiver.
Financial Support for Arizona Kinship Caregivers
- Direct Payments: Financial assistance may be available to help cover the costs of caring for a child, such as food, clothing, and housing.
- Child Care Assistance: Support for childcare expenses can help kinship caregivers who are working or attending school.
- Medical Assistance: Children in kinship care are typically eligible for medical benefits, ensuring access to necessary healthcare.
- Food Assistance (SNAP): Kinship families may qualify for food assistance programs to help with grocery costs.
Non-Financial Support for Arizona Kinship Caregivers
- Information and Referral: Access to information about resources and services, and referrals to appropriate agencies and programs.
- Support Groups: Connect with other kinship caregivers for peer support, advice, and shared experiences.
- Training: Opportunities for training on topics relevant to kinship care, such as trauma-informed care and child development.
- Case Management: Support from a case manager to help navigate the child welfare system and access resources.
- Legal Assistance: Information and potential assistance with legal matters related to kinship care.
Licensing as a Foster Parent: An Option for Kinship Caregivers
Becoming a licensed foster parent specifically for the children in your care presents an opportunity for increased support. While licensed kinship foster homes adhere to the same standards as traditional foster homes, some non-safety related requirements might be waived to facilitate kinship licensure. For licensing details, contact the Home Recruitment Response Specialist at 1-877-543-7633, option 1, or visit the Foster Care Licensing page.
Additional Resources and Community Support
If you feel the need to connect with someone who understands your journey, attend trauma-informed training, or receive aid from community agencies, resources are available in your region to support you within the child welfare system. Explore your region’s resources for a list of community agencies ready to assist.
