Kinship care: vital support for families

When families step up to care for children in need, they shouldn’t have to do it alone.

That’s the heart of kinship care, an arrangement where relatives or close family friends become foster parents or “kin providers” for children involved in the child welfare system.

Kinship care means keeping kids close to home, community and everything they know. These caregivers play a powerful role in helping children maintain connections during a tough time.

Children placed in kinship care must have an open case with the Department of Human Services. Whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so, Mesa County’s goal is to place children with relatives or trusted family friends instead of traditional foster care placements.

We are here to support kinship families every step of the way. We offer:

• Personalized case management
• Caregiver training
• Professional counseling

These services are designed to help kin providers navigate the unique challenges of caring for a loved one’s child. Whether you're already caring for a relative’s child or considering becoming a kin provider, you may be eligible for support through our child welfare programs.

Learn more about kinship care on our webpage.