Kinship care is when grandparents, aunts and uncles, other relatives, or close family friends, take care of children when their parents are unable to do so due to challenging family situations.
When children must be separated from their parents, placing them with other family members, or close family friends, is often an ideal solution to the situation. It provides children with the opportunity to grow and learn in a supportive, loving, safe home environment while retaining a sense of family, cultural heritage, and community ties.
Nearly 3 million children in the United States and more than 5,000 children in Fairfax County are being raised in kinship care. Kinship caregiving is found in all socioeconomic, educational, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. Unfortunately, often the adults in these newly created kinship families, did not expect to become caregivers and they need support.
Fairfax County along with public and private organizations recognize the importance of kinship caregivers and the children they are raising in stable, loving and nurturing households. Fairfax County is committed to helping to connect kinship families with resources, trainings and support groups focused on kinship families’ needs.
After taking a hiatus during this season of social distancing, Kinship Cafés are back in a Virtual format. Kinship Caregivers can talk with others who understand how difficult and joyful it can be raising a child for a family member or friend. Join us to discuss topics such as discipline, self-care, and family rules. You can also find out about community resources that you may not have known existed. Sign up for a Kinship Café by sending an 
Talk with others who understand how difficult and joyful the responsibility of kinship caregiving can be. Find out about community resources you may not have known existed. Held on Thursdays, Sept. 3 and 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. For more information or to participate virtually, send an 