This resource reviews the seven steps to creating a kin first culture – one in which child welfare systems consistently promote kinship placement, help children in foster care maintain connections with their family, and tailor services and supports to the needs of kinship foster families.
- Lead with a kin first philosophy
- Develop written policies and protocols that reflect equity for children with kin and recognize their unique circumstances
- Identify and engage kin for children at every step
- Create a sense of urgency for making the first placement a kin placement
- Make licensing kin a priority
- Support permanent families for children
- Create a strong community network to support kin families
