What does 'kinship care' entail?

The concept of 'kinship care' specifically refers to the placement of children with relatives or close family friends when they cannot remain in their own homes due to issues such as abuse, neglect, or parental incapacity. This approach prioritizes the child's connection to their family and can provide a sense of stability and continuity in their lives. Kinship care is recognized for its potential to preserve familial bonds and cultural ties, which can be crucial for the child's emotional well-being and identity development.

In addition to fostering connections, kinship care arrangements often involve less disruption to a child's life compared to traditional foster care, as they usually keep the child within their familial or community network. This arrangement can lead to better outcomes for the child in aspects such as behavioral health, placement stability, and overall adjustment.

Other options do not fit the definition of kinship care. Non-relative foster homes do not serve to maintain familial connections, temporary family support services focus on providing assistance rather than direct placement, and creating educational opportunities does not specifically address where a child resides. Hence, the placement of children with relatives or close family friends is the correct interpretation of kinship care.