{"id":3526,"date":"2022-11-17T13:41:21","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T18:41:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/211md.org\/?page_id=3526"},"modified":"2026-04-17T11:29:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T15:29:40","slug":"swen-fanmi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/211md.org\/ht\/resources\/children-families\/kinship-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Kinship Care 101: Ki sa li ye ak kijan li ede"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Caring for a relative’s child or family by choice (non-relative) makes a difference! Even if it’s an informal arrangement, this 24\/7 care is kinship care when family or a non-relative steps in to help during a parental hardship.<\/p>\n

This guide to kinship care helps Marylanders understand kinship care and the benefits available. Many families are making a difference in this way and do not realize benefits are available to help them as a kinship family!<\/p>\n

Get started by searching for resources or keep scrolling to read about the programs below.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSearch for Kinship Resources\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

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About kinship<\/a>   |   How it helps the child<\/a>   |   Is it for me?<\/a>   |   Help & benefits <\/a><\/p>\n

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Ki sa ki se swen fanmi?<\/h2>\n

In Maryland, kinship care is when a relative or family by choice (non-relative) cares for a non-biological child 24\/7 in their home.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This temporary out-of-home care is called kinship care.<\/p>\n

It keeps the children in a familiar family environment and connected to their community and culture.<\/p>\n

Maryland’s Kin-First Approach<\/h3>\n

Maryland’s “Kin-First”<\/strong> approach focuses on placing children with relatives or close family friends when a parent can’t care for their child due to a serious hardship.<\/p>\n

Under the “kin-first” culture, when a child enters foster care, the Department of Social Services will try to find a kinship caregiver. This choice is preferred because it builds on existing relationships and family bonds. That familiarity with the people and environment provides a smooth transition for the child to continue developing and thriving.<\/p>\n\t

Kalite Swen fanmi<\/h2>\n

Gen moun k ap bay swen fanmi f\u00f2m\u00e8l ak enf\u00f2m\u00e8l.<\/p>\n

Formal<\/h3>\n

Av\u00e8k Kinship Care (f\u00f2m\u00e8l), Depatman S\u00e8vis Sosyal lokal la mete yon timoun ki vin nan atansyon yo ak yon moun k ap pran swen fanmi. Fanmi an kenbe gad epi li bay swen 24\/7.<\/p>\n

Informal<\/h3>\n

With Informal Kinship Care, a relative or non-relative adult provides care and custody for a child due to serious family hardship. Legal custody is not required, and the child is not in the care, custody, or guardianship of the local Department of Social Services.<\/p>\n

If a mother, father, or legal guardian experiences a serious hardship, they can place their child in informal kinship care. It’s a living arrangement for a child not in the care, custody, or guardianship of the local Department of Social Services.<\/p>\n

What’s a serious hardship?<\/h4>\n

The qualifying circumstances include these serious hardships:<\/p>\n