September is National Kinship Care Month, a time to recognize the family members and trusted loved ones who step in to care for children during difficult times. Whether it’s a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or close family friend, kinship caregivers provide comfort, stability, and a sense of belonging when children need it most. 

The devotion of kinship caregivers is truly amazing. Many begin their journey unexpectedly, yet they embrace the responsibility with compassion. Some of these caregivers even choose to become licensed foster parents, expanding their ability to support children and families. Children’s Hope Alliance has a wonderful foster care program that helps kinship caregivers become licensed and receive the support they need. 

CHA is proud to celebrate the strength and love of kinship caregivers and the lasting difference they make every day. They are creating brighter futures for these children by keeping them connected to their family and community. 

As part of our National Kinship Care Month celebration, we’d love to share a kinship foster care success story that highlights the powerful impact of stepping up for family and the life-changing difference that caring adults can make.💙 

Meet Ethan, Maya, and Lily 

When Ethan, Maya, and Lily could no longer remain in their biological home, their grandmother, Deborah, stepped forward to keep them together. She became a therapeutic foster parent with CHA and welcomed all three grandchildren into her home through a kinship placement. 

The adjustment was tough. The children were carrying a lot of pain and uncertainty, and everyone was learning how to navigate a new way of life. Deborah wanted to help her grandchildren heal, but she knew she needed more support during this transition. With guidance from a CHA case manager, she began implementing the Teaching-Family Model in her home. Through consistent routines, family meetings, and positive reinforcement, the family slowly began building trust and stability. 

One of the family’s favorite tools became a marble jar. The children could earn marbles through positive choices and teamwork, then trade them in for rewards like a family movie night. Regular family meetings also gave everyone space to talk openly and work through challenges together. 

The biggest shift came over the summer. Simply having more time together helped the family build trust and grow closer. During a Child and Family Team meeting, they reflected on what it meant to support one another and how grateful they were to remain together as a family. That conversation reinforced something they had been building all along: a sense of belonging. 

Today, the home feels very different. The children are doing better in school and have become more involved in church activities. Maya recently discovered a love for dance, and all three children have grown in confidence. 

What stands out most is the relationship they have with their grandmother. The children often talk about how thankful they are that she stepped in when they needed her most. Because of her love, they were able to stay together and continue growing in a home where they feel loved and supported. We are grateful to have been part of their journey and to see the difference kinship care can make!❤️ 

If you are interested in becoming a kinship foster parent with CHA, we’d love to speak with you: www.childrenshopealliance.org/fostertoday.