September is Kinship Care Month

The Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services is pleased to recognize September as Kinship Care Month to celebrate families who have gone the extra mile to take care of children in need. "Kinship care" describes a family situation in which a grandparent or other extended family member is raising a child whose parents cannot. Kinship care is not new. Family members and close friends have raised each other's children since the beginning of families. 

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a kinship caregiver or are interested in helping other children in need by becoming a foster parent, the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services invites you to contact Kayla Chesebro at 716-701-3664 or Dawn Westfall at 716-701-3279. Foster parent classes are held at least twice a year in Cattaraugus County. 

Below are internet resource links:

Information on becoming a foster parent from the NYS Office of Children & Families:

http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/fostercare/

Information on New York State's Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) from the NYS Office of Children & Families:

http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/kinship/kingap.asp

Kinship Children in New York State by Council on Children & Families:

http://ccf.ny.gov/files/4213/8255/2329/KinshipChildrenNYS.pdf

Kinship Care Resource Kit for Community and Faith-Based Organizations by the Children's Defense Fund: http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/ki...