Published on August 30, 2023
In order to raise awareness and understanding of the positive family environment that kinship families offer for many children, the Weld County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed September as Kinship Care Month.
Kinship Care Month provides an opportunity to showcase the accomplishments of countless youth throughout Weld County who have successfully navigated the emotional difficulties of separation from their parents by receiving the unconditional support of grandparents and other relatives in their lives. According to the Colorado Department of Human Services, across the U.S. over 2.5 million children live in “grandfamilies,” meaning that grandparents, other relatives, or close family friends raise them because their parents cannot. Kinship caregivers are relied upon to provide care and protection to children and youth who cannot remain safely in their homes for a variety of issues that could affect a child’s safety and wellbeing.
“It’s our highest priority to keep kids with their biological mom and dad,” said Commissioner Scott James. “But sometimes that can’t happen, so the second-best thing we can do is get them into a family with which they’re familiar and continue to provide that stable home. The work you all do cannot be praised by this board and by the general community enough.”
Weld County is steadfast in their commitment to promoting the safety and well-being of our children, including providing a stable household in which children and youth can be nurtured and succeed. Weld County citizens are encouraged to use this month to recognize the amazing kinship caregivers who serve as an important permanency option for children which minimizes trauma and loss.
To learn more about kinship care, visit https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Support-My-Family/Children-and-Family.