The Illinois House unanimously passed the KIND Act, prioritizing a “kin-first approach” in foster care to place children with relatives or close connections, aiming to reduce trauma and improve stability. The bill addresses challenges like placement delays and foster care system strain by revising background check criteria for relatives and expanding court oversight to ensure family-finding efforts.
Jennifer Geiger, Associate Professor at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, has more than 10 years of practice experience promoting resilience and well-being for children and families involved in the child welfare system and those who are in need, as well as experience in program evaluation and training. She shares her insight on the potential impacts of this recently passed legislation.
Q: How might the KIND Acts Kin First approach impact the well-being and stability of children entering the foster care system?
A: One thing to note is that a kin-first approach has long been the priority for child welfare departments at both the state and federal levels. Policies like the Family First Prevention Services Act emphasize kinship placements as the first option when children need to be removed from their homes. Many children already live in kinship placements informally, without the involvement of child protective services. This new legislation formalizes the practice by embedding it into law and adding accountability measures for agencies to prioritize kin placements.
The biggest benefit for children is the reduction of trauma during placement transitions. When children are removed from their homes, placing them with relatives or close family friends—also known as fictive kin—creates a more familiar, stable environment. This minimizes disruptions to their emotional and psychological well-being. Additionally, kin placements often allow children to remain in their communities, maintaining important cultural and social connections. Research also shows that children in kinship care have better permanency outcomes, meaning they spend less time in foster care and are more likely to achieve stable, long-term family arrangements, whether through reunification, guardianship, or adoption.
Q: What challenges do kinship caregivers currently face under licensing regulations, and how does the KIND Act aim to address these issues?
A: One major challenge for kinship caregivers is the financial burden. While all caregivers involved with the foster care system receive some level of compensation, kin caregivers who are not licensed receive significantly less financial support than licensed foster parents. The KIND Act acknowledges this disparity by promoting a pathway to licensure, but like many child welfare policies, it is unfunded. Without additional financial resources, kinship caregivers may struggle to meet the needs of the children in their care.
Another issue is the licensing process itself. Becoming a licensed foster parent involves extensive background checks, home inspections, and financial evaluations, which can be prohibitive for kinship caregivers, particularly those who take in children unexpectedly. The KIND Act introduces more flexibility in assessing placements, allowing caseworkers to evaluate families on a case-by-case basis rather than strictly adhering to rigid licensing requirements. This means that minor infractions in a caregiver’s history, such as an old criminal charge that does not pose a current risk, won’t automatically disqualify them. The goal is to ensure safety without unnecessarily preventing children from staying with their families. I think it’s important to note that this legislation will help kinship caregivers in navigating the child welfare system and draw on social support from professionals and from other caregivers, which has been shown to promote child and family well-being.
Q: Why are kinship caregivers historically paid less than licensed foster parents?
A: The difference in payment comes down to licensing status. States typically offer higher stipends to foster parents who complete the licensing process, while kinship caregivers often take children in without going through formal licensure. Many kinship caregivers don’t pursue licensing because of the time commitment, the invasiveness of background checks and home studies, or because they view their caregiving as a temporary arrangement while the child’s parent works toward reunification. While encouraging kin caregivers to become licensed can help them access more financial resources, many still opt out due to systemic barriers.
Q: What are the potential implications of the KIND Act for social work practice, particularly in supporting kinship caregivers and ensuring equitable access to resources?
A: From a social work perspective, the KIND Act underscores the need for better support systems for kinship caregivers. Many caregivers have no prior experience with the foster care system and may feel overwhelmed by the legal and bureaucratic processes involved. Social workers need to provide comprehensive assessments of kinship families’ needs and connect them with available services.
One promising aspect of the KIND Act is its emphasis on kinship navigator programs. These programs have been used successfully in other states and provide kin caregivers with guidance on navigating the child welfare system, accessing financial aid, and finding community support. Social networks and peer support are crucial, as many kin caregivers benefit from connecting with others in similar situations. While the KIND Act encourages these programs, additional funding is needed to ensure their success.
Illinois has made significant strides in prioritizing kinship care, with over 53% of foster children placed with relatives—compared to the national average of about one-third. However, sustaining and improving these outcomes requires continued investment in resources and policies that truly support kinship caregivers. If the state can secure federal funding through Title IV-E, it could significantly enhance support for these families and improve outcomes for children in the foster care system.