Foundations of Grandparent and Kinship Care

Kinship care places relatives, often grandparents, in primary parenting roles. Sound practice rests on understanding the legal pathways, family dynamics, and developmental needs of children. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the legal pathways for kinship care, recognize the family dynamics that often accompany it, identify the developmental needs of children in kinship care, and understand the support systems available. What you will learn: - The legal pathways including informal kinship, formal guardianship, and adoption - The role of child welfare systems in some kinship arrangements - The family dynamics including the role of biological parents and other relatives - The developmental needs of children including those affected by trauma or loss - The role of physical and emotional energy across generations - The role of available support including financial, educational, and therapeutic - The role of self-care for kinship caregivers The course uses readings, case examples, and reflection prompts. Each module ends with applied exercises. This course is written for grandparents and relatives in kinship caregiving roles. By the end you will have replaced confusion about your role and resources with a clearer understanding of the structures and supports that can help.