Variations in the Use of Kinship Diversion Among Child Welfare Agencies

Summary

This brief, generated with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, shares insights and opinions on the use of kinship diversion as a preventative practice in child welfare. Its findings stem from four main sources: field work, stakeholder interviews, administrative data reviews and a digital survey tool.

Table of Contents

• What is Kinship Diversion?
• What are Stakeholders’ Opinions About Kinship Diversion?
• When Does Kinship Diversion Occur?
• How Prevalent is Kinship Diversion?
• Who Are the Children Being Diverted?
• How is Kinship Diversion Different from Foster Care?
• What Are the Outcomes for Children and Families in Kinship Diversion?
• Conclusions and Recommendations

Key Takeaway

A familiar child protection option that flies under the data radar

Kinship Diversion — the practice of placing kids with relatives in lieu of foster care — is a common response to allegations of child abuse or neglect. Yet, few child welfare jurisdictions collect data on diversion, making it challenging to gauge its effectiveness or understand the experiences of the children involved.