Broward Health - Kinship Cares Initiative

What is it?

The Kinship Cares Initiative (KCI) began in July 2008 to provide vital health care navigation services. Individualized health assessments and care plans are developed for kinship families and they are provided with assistance for health care-related services.

Who is it for?

Kinship families in which the primary caregivers are relatives, as well as non-relatives with strong family connections.

Why do they do it?

Kinship care is the fastest growing form of out-of-home placement for children, with the majority of placements being informal. Many caregivers lack the knowledge and resources to care for themselves and the children.

Impact

Since 2008, 398 kinship families have received services, including 474 adults and 719 children. The KCI has ensured that 100 percent of the family members were established with a medical home, 87 percent of eligible adults and children obtained health insurance and 89 percent of children received up-to-date immunizations. Referred families received 1,032 health services and more than 700 social services.

Contact: Jasmin Shirley
Vice President, Community Health Services
Telephone: 954-355-5903
E-mail: jshirley@browardhealth.org