Stepping Up for Kids

What Government and Communities Should Do to Support Kinship Families

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

January 1, 2012

Summary

This KIDS COUNT policy report summarizes the special role that grandparents, other relatives and close family friends play in the lives of children who cannot safely live with their parents.  Given that 1 in 11 children lives in kinship care at some point before the age of 18, the report provides recommendations for how for public systems, private agencies, faith based organizations and communities can support kinship families to ensure that their children thrive.  

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway

Nationally, relatives or family friends are raising approximately 2.7 million children because their parents can no longer care for them.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations