MEDIA CONTACT
Jeff Powell, (402) 471-6223,
jeff.powell@nebraska.gov
Lincoln – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Children and Family Services (CFS) is celebrating National Kinship Care Month in September. The month is a time to celebrate the important contribution that kin and relatives play in supporting and raising children. Relative and kinship homes provide a critical service for vulnerable children and families.
DHHS values the commitment that families make when caring for and raising relative and kin children. The Department partners with providers across the state for Kinship Navigator services, both to prevent formal system involvement and when children involved with DHHS are placed with relatives/kin. Approximately 15,000 children are being raised by relatives or kin in Nebraska.
“Every child in Nebraska deserves the opportunity to grow and learn in a supportive, loving, safe home environment while retaining family, cultural heritage, and community ties," said Child and Family Services Division Director Stephanie Beasley. “I appreciate the families who have stepped up to support children and DHHS is committed to supporting them."
Kinship navigator services provide coordination of services, tangible concrete supports, wellbeing resources, and emotional support to kin and relative families to maintain these children safely in their family and community. Additionally, DHHS provides economic assistance services to families and kin, such as TANF, child care, and emergency assistance to support a family's added financial needs.
To celebrate the month, Governor Ricketts signed a proclamation on September 6. Ricketts was joined by Kinship families, CFS staff, staff from Nebraska Children's Home Society, and staff from Lutheran Family Services.
To learn more about kinship navigation, please visit: https://kinship.nchs.org/about/