Kinship Program

Kinship Program

image of grandmother and children

“I am really pleased about Kinship Support Services. It has really inspired me, in so many, many ways. I knew it was somewhere out there, I just didn’t know where. Now I have time to talk with other people going through the same challenges. It feels easy to open up and talk and communicate about anything. I am blessed to have found a beautiful place like this.”

Purpose

The Kinship Program supports grandparents and other relative caregivers in order to allow their children to remain within their extended families and communities.

Who We Serve

The program is open to any relative caregiver living in North Alameda County. Self-referrals are encouraged, as well as referrals from community-based organizations and Alameda County’s Social Services Agency (which provides the program’s anchor funding).

Services Offered

The agency leads a collaborative of partners who offer an array of services from which caregivers can choose. Support is provided to the caregivers, as well as for their kin children through our Youth Program. Available services include:

Family advocacy
Case management
Supportive counseling and crisis intervention.
Linkage with community resources.
Legal services
Respite
Support groups
Workshops and trainings
Youth activities (including community service, leadership and recreational activities)
Homework Club

Accomplishments

Since 2001, the Kinship Program has served over 250 families and more than 700 children. More than 200 additional families have received legal services. Families have received more than 8,000 hours of respite. Four different support groups are offered in convenient community locations. The Youth Program provides an after school Homework Club, as well as regular youth activities.

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