S2 E2 Kingswell Conversations Why does kinship care still require structure, training and profession

Описание: Why Does Kinship Care Still Require Structure, Training and Professional Oversight? | Kingswell Conversations | Season 2 Episode 1

Kinship care is often described as “family helping family.”
So why, when a child is placed with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend, does it still require formal structure, training, background checks, and professional oversight?

In this episode of the Kingswell Conversations, I sit down to explain the difference between informal kinship care and formal kinship care, and why once a court becomes involved, accountability and safeguards are essential.

We discuss:

• What kinship care really means in Virginia and across the United States
• The difference between informal and formal kinship placements
• Why court involvement changes everything
• Why structure protects children, kinship carers, and biological parents
• Why trauma-informed training is critical, even for family members
• The role of DSS and child welfare professionals in supporting kinship placements
• Why kinship care outcomes improve when supported properly

Kinship care can be incredibly powerful. Research shows that maintaining family connection can improve stability and long-term outcomes for children. But connection alone is not enough. Children entering formal care often have experienced trauma, medical neglect, or legal instability. That is why professional oversight exists.

This conversation is especially relevant for:

• DSS professionals and child welfare advocates
• Foster and kinship carers
• Policy leaders in child protection
• Families considering kinship or foster care in Virginia
• Anyone working in foster care and adoption in the US

If you are working in child welfare or considering stepping into kinship care, I hope this discussion gives clarity and reassurance.

If you would like to continue the conversation or collaborate professionally, connect with me on LinkedIn:
👉 @RichardKingswell

Learn more about foster care and kinship services in Virginia at:
🌐 https://www.espva.org

🌐 https://www.fosterva.org

You can also download my free resource:
A Comprehensive Guide to Foster and Adoption in Virginia Available at FosterVA.org