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This guide intends to provide an overview on kinship and alternate care, success stories, and resources geared towards child welfare agencies and caregivers.
Family engagement, kinship networks, and lifelong connections for children and youth support their safety, well-being, and permanency. The involvement of kin early and throughout child welfare planning prevents placement disruptions and increases positive outcomes for children, youth, and families.
When children and youth are unable to remain in their homes, kinship and community-based placements are preferred. Kinship placements can involve biologically related kin, members of cultural communities, or individuals with other social, emotional, or community connections, such as teachers, coaches, or neighbours.
Children and youth can be placed with kin and community through a variety of placement options, including kin service (out of care), kinship care (licensed care), and customary care.