Kinship Navigator

The Kinship Navigator Program (KNP) serves as an information and referral network for kinship caregivers who are providing full-time care to children other than their own. Kinship caregivers may be relatives, grandparents, and other fictive kin serving as caregivers to children whose parents are unable to do so.

Kinship caregivers often step in to provide needed care and safety to children, preventing the need for foster care intervention services. Whether their custodial kinship arrangement is formal or informal, kinship caregivers face unique challenges and needs that are different from any they have previously experienced.

Resources for Kinship Caregivers

The Louisiana Kinship Navigator Program focus assists kinship caregivers in locating resources and supports that:

• Enable them to continue providing care to relative children in their homes, thereby reducing or preventing child maltreatment of those children and preventing placement disruption and /or entry into state foster care system; and
• Improve both child and caregiver well-being.

Children who are unable to receive safe, nurturing care from their own parents can achieve greater stability and a sense of belonging when cared for by individuals with whom they share a trusting, long-term relationship or connection. This can best be accomplished locally, in communities where the entire kinship family lives, works and has connections.

In an effort to expand its services and resource directory, the Kinship Navigator Program is inviting community partners, faith-based organizations, and other community organizations to play a role in supporting kinship families. Contact us for more information about becoming a Kinship Navigator partner.

Louisiana Kinship Navigator

Legal and Custodial Information Guide

The Louisiana Kinship Navigator contains all the information provided on our Kinship Care webpages. Download the navigator for offline use.

Download the Louisiana Kinship Navigator

For additional assistance or more information on the Kinship Navigator Program, email: DCFS.kinshipcare@la.gov