If you are raising a grandchild, niece, nephew, sibling, cousin, family friend, or another child who is not your biological child, you are likely a kinship caregiver.
Many people never use the term “kinship care.” They simply say:
- “I’m raising my grandson.”
- “My niece came to live with us.”
- “We’ve had our neighbor’s children for a while.”
- “My sister’s kids are staying with us.”
- “We’re helping family.”
Whatever words you use, we want you to know this:
We see you.
We appreciate you.
And you belong here.
At Embrace, we recognize the incredible sacrifice, love, and commitment it takes to step in and care for a child when their parents are unable to do so. Kinship caregivers often make life-changing decisions with little warning, limited resources, and few opportunities to prepare.
You may not have expected to be parenting again. You may not have planned for another child in your home. Yet you opened your heart and your door because a child needed you.
That matters.
you're not alone
Kinship care occurs when a child is being raised by a relative or someone with a significant relationship to the child rather than their biological parents.
Kinship caregivers may include:
- Grandparents
- Aunts and uncles
- Adult siblings
- Cousins
- Family friends
- Godparents
- Close family connections
- Fictive kin (someone who is not related by blood but has a meaningful relationship with the child)
Whether your arrangement is formal, informal, court-ordered, foster care related, or simply a family stepping up to help, we want you to know that Embrace welcomes you.
While every family’s story is unique, many kinship caregivers experience similar challenges.
Unexpected Parenting Responsibilities
Many caregivers suddenly find themselves back in a parenting role after years—or even decades—without young children in the home.
You may be navigating:
- School enrollment
- Medical appointments
- Therapy services
- Childcare needs
- Behavioral challenges
- Technology and social media concerns
- Parenting in a very different world than when you raised your own children
Financial Strain
Adding a child to your household often comes with significant expenses:
- Clothing
- School supplies
- Food
- Transportation
- Childcare
- Medical needs
- Extracurricular activities
Many kinship families are carrying these additional expenses while living on a fixed income or preparing for retirement.
Emotional Stress
Kinship caregiving can be emotionally complex.
You may be grieving the circumstances that brought the child into your care while simultaneously trying to provide stability and hope.
Many caregivers wrestle with:
- Stress and exhaustion
- Feelings of isolation
- Family conflict
- Court involvement
- Difficult relationships with birth parents
- Concern for the child’s future
Trauma and Healing
Children who enter kinship care have often experienced significant loss, instability, neglect, abuse, or other traumatic experiences.
Even in the safety of a loving home, healing takes time.
Many caregivers find themselves seeking support as they learn how trauma impacts behavior, learning, attachment, and emotional regulation.
At Embrace, we believe kinship caregivers deserve the same encouragement, connection, and support as foster and adoptive families.
All kinship caregivers are welcome at our programs and events.
You do not need to be a licensed foster parent to participate.
Kinship families are eligible for:
Family Events
Enjoy opportunities to create lasting memories together through:
- Family Campout
- Family Camp
- Seasonal family gatherings
- Community events
Retreats and Encouragement
Caregivers need support too.
Kinship caregivers are welcome to participate in:
- Mom’s Retreat
- Parent gatherings
- Support groups
- Training opportunities
- Encouragement events
Education and Resources
Learn practical tools and strategies for navigating:
- Trauma-informed caregiving
- Child development
- Parenting challenges
- Family transitions
- Community resources
Community
One of the greatest gifts we can offer is connection.
Through Embrace, you’ll meet other caregivers who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising children who came into their homes through unexpected circumstances.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Do you need items to care for children in your home?
Are you aware of support available from DFPS?
Many kinship caregivers qualify for assistance and services through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), but aren't aware of what is available. Whether you are caring for a relative through CPS involvement or an informal family arrangement, DFPS offers information about financial assistance, legal options, and support programs for kinship families. Learn more through the official DFPS Kinship Care resources. DFPS Kinship Care Resources