Kinship Care of Children in Texas
Buckner supports families caring for relative children placed in foster care by providing financial and support services and connections to needed resources.
The Need
Kinship care refers to the care of children by relatives or, in some jurisdictions, close family friends referred to as fictive kin. About 44% of kids in substitute care in Texas are in the care of their kin.
Importance of Kinship Care
Research supports the belief that children who remain with family tend to have a greater sense of belonging and acceptance, which in turn promotes stability in placement. Through continued family relationships and improved stability, children are more likely to feel attached, loved, connected, and confident – resulting in empowerment and mastery which ultimately leads to self-sufficiency.
Benefits of Getting Licensed
- Licensure provides a kinship caregiver additional training on trauma, grief and loss, and connection
- Case management services for educational, medical, and psychological needs of the child
- Additional financial resources through the Permanency Care Assistance program
Buckner Services
Buckner is dedicated to walking alongside kinship caregivers to support them in their new role and as individuals. Many kinship caregivers experience feelings of loss, grief, or denial when a family member’s child comes into their care. Our staff are committed to helping caregivers process their emotions, concerns, and fears to better equip them for their kinship journey.
Buckner is committed to the following values in providing kinship care to children and their families:
- Ensure the safety of every child
- Respect the individual
- Value the family
- Empower the individual and the family
- Promote self-sufficiency
- Deliver services with excellence through Christ-centered values
The Process
- Complete preliminary application
- Complete eligibility assessment
- Training
- FBI background check
- Paperwork and documentation
- Home study
- Licensure
*On average, obtaining licensure for kinship care takes 4 - 6 months.
These are the locations we service for kinship foster care and adoption. Submit the form below if you are ready to learn more. Kinship caregiver requirements.
SOURCES: Department of Child and Family Services , Princeton Journal - Future of Children, Fostering Connections Act, Child Welfare League of America, and Annie E. Casey Foundation.
