This brief highlights the importance of kinship care in child welfare. When children cannot safely remain with their parents, living with relatives or close family friends (kinship care) is often preferred. Compared to nonrelative foster placements, kinship care is safer, promotes child well-being, and helps maintain family and cultural connections. However, in kinship diversion, where physical custody changes without legal custody, families might lack the resources available through foster care, potentially affecting long-term outcomes. Policymakers are reviewing this practice to ensure proper support for all parties involved.
