Kinship care is a form of child welfare where children are raised by relatives or close family friends instead of their biological parents. This arrangement often occurs when parents are unable to care for their children due to various reasons, such as illness, substance abuse, or incarceration. Kinship care aims to provide a stable and familiar environment for children, helping to maintain family connections and cultural ties.
In many cases, kinship caregivers may receive support from social services or government programs to help with the financial and emotional needs of the children. This type of care can include formal arrangements, where caregivers are licensed or receive assistance, or informal arrangements, where no legal intervention is involved.