Kinship Care Month

Kinship care refers to the care of children by relatives, or in some cases, close family friends. At Centene, we’re committed to providing the best possible care for all of our members. And when it comes to our foster care community, that oftentimes includes kinship. Approximately one-fourth of children in out-of-home care, or over two million youth, are living with relatives. 

It’s important to think about kinship care because it helps maintain the children's connections with their families, increases stability, and gives a sense of normalcy in an otherwise uncertain time. It also provides safety as well as the ability to maintain cultural traditions, and minimizes the trauma of family separation. 

Not every case of kinship care is the same. Some situations have a formal process involving training and receiving a license, others only get a safety assessment. But it is critical that kinship caregivers have the support they need when a child is placed in their care. Click here to learn more and find resources about kinship.