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Resources
Video Resources
What is Kinship Care?
The purpose of this video is to educate the general public about kinship care by defining for the audience what kinship care is, explaining the benefits of kinship care, and emphasizing the need to prioritize support for kinship families.
Legal Relationships and Kinship Care
Presented by a licensed attorney, this informational video provides kinship caregivers and helping professionals with a clear and practical overview of the legal relationships that shape rights and responsibilities when caring for a child in Ohio. Viewers will learn what kinship care is, why legal status matters, and how a range of different legal realationships are established.
Supporting Kinship Families in the Community
The purpose of this video is to raise awareness about the unique needs of kinship families and to promote available support resources. It emphasizes that support is crucial for both the caregivers' mental well-being and the children's development. It highlights the successful partnership between OhioKAN and Kinship Caregivers Connect that provides a mix of individual resource navigation coupled with peer support. It destigmatizes the need for help and inspires hope by featuring the lived experiences of caregivers who found a lifeline through these communities.
Documents
Guide to Creating Kinship Friendly Schools
The purpose of this downloadable guide is to provide all school staff members with an overview of ways to be supportive to children and youth and their trusted kinship caregivers. Created in partnership with kinship families and educators, the tips and information within the guide are intended for practical, real-time application.
Kinship Friendly Schools: Understanding and Supporting Kinship Families
Designed for educators, administrators, and school staff, this eLearning course explores how schools can better support students in kinship care and their caregivers. In Part 1 – Understanding and Supporting Kinship Families, explore the unique challenges these families face and how schools like yours can make a meaningful difference. Part 2 - Trauma, Grief, and Loss for Kinship Families explains how trauma and grief may show up at school, and practical ways to build a more supportive environment.
COMING SOON: Legal Relationships in Kinship Care
This course provides kinship caregivers with a clear, practical overview of the legal relationships that define their rights and responsibilities when caring for a child in Ohio. It explores what kinship care is, why legal status is important, and breaks down a range of options—from temporary tools like a Grandparent Power of Attorney to long-term arrangements such as legal custody or adoption.
COMING SOON: Caregiver & Youth Benefits Programs
This course introduces the key public benefit programs available to caregivers and youth in Ohio, including cash assistance, food and nutrition supports, medical coverage, child care assistance, Social Security programs, Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) services, and energy assistance. Learners will gain a foundational understanding of what each program provides, who may be eligible, and how families can access support.
Looking for direct help? Explore our programs:
OhioKAN
Support for Kinship and Adoptive Families
OhioKAN is a flexible and responsive kinship and adoption navigator program designed to assist children, caregivers, and families statewide.
Kinnect to Family
Helping Youth Stay Connected to Kin
KTF uses urgent family search and engagement to identify kin—both biological and chosen—who can provide stability and support for youth in care.
YNN
Empowering Youth to Shape Their Journey
Youth Navigator Network (YNN) connects young people who are in or have been in foster care to key resources and supports.
YCPRT
Placing Youth at the Center of Permanency Planning
YCPRT engages young people in shaping their own permanency plans, giving them a voice in decisions about their future.