#United States #Sacramento #Child Welfare #Wayfinder Family #Kinship Care

Wayfinder Family Services' Inaugural Kinship Summit

In celebration of National Kinship Care Month, Wayfinder Family Services hosted its first-ever virtual Kinship Summit, bringing together a diverse group of kinship caregivers, child welfare partners, caseworkers, and state officials. This significant event aimed to highlight the critical role kinship care plays in the lives of children and families in California and across the United States.

Understanding Kinship Care

Kinship care is defined as a situation where children are raised by relatives or close family friends, thereby allowing them to maintain connections to their familial roots, culture, and community. This approach not only strengthens the child's bond with their loved ones but also helps them avoid the foster care system. According to Child Welfare Information Gateway, it is estimated that as of 2024, around 2.5 million children in America are being nurtured within kinship family structures, underscoring the relevance of such support.

Keynote Speaker: Joseph Crumbley

The summit featured a keynote address from Joseph Crumbley, a well-known expert in kinship care with nearly forty years of experience as a family therapist, trainer, and consultant. His extensive knowledge and contributions to the field have made him a sought-after consultant for notable organizations like Casey Family Programs and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. His insights during the summit shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by kinship families, calling for increased awareness and support.

A Year of Recognition for Wayfinder

This summit is a part of a year filled with accolades for Wayfinder’s kinship services. Their Kinnections project was recently showcased in The Gateway Exchange, a publication by Child Welfare Information Gateway that focuses on effective child welfare strategies. Additionally, the Kinnections model has been deemed promising by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, a federal resource that evaluates family support programs aimed at preventing foster care placements.

The importance of their Family Needs Scale, an assessment tool used in the Kinnections program, was recognized when the Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network designated it as an Exemplary Practice, one of just 18 selected across the nation. Furthermore, Social Current honored Wayfinder’s Kinnections program with the 2026 Innovative Impact Award.

Family Testimonials and Community Impact

During the summit, several kinship caregivers shared their personal stories of stepping up to raise children in their families, often with little notice and even less support. These heartfelt narratives underscored the necessity for ongoing community support and resources for kinship families. Jay Allen, President and CEO of Wayfinder Family Services, emphasized the summit's importance, stating, "Kinship families step up without hesitation, often with little notice and even less support. This summit and our recent recognition are crucial steps towards raising awareness and support for kinship families."

Wayfinder’s Kinnections kinship navigation program plays a vital role in offering emergency support, case management, and other essential services to relatives and friends who are caring for children in California.

Conclusion

As Wayfinder Family Services continues its mission to support those in need, this summit marks a pivotal initiative toward promoting awareness and discussing strategies that can enhance the lives of kinship families. With research-backed practices and community involvement, Wayfinder is dedicated to ensuring that all children can thrive in a loving and supportive environment.

Through events like the Kinship Summit, the conversation around kinship care grows, ultimately leading to greater recognition and support for a critical aspect of child welfare.