The importance of kinship care in Black communities
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Safety First. Safety Always.
This Black History Month, Illinois DCFS is shining a spotlight on the profound impact of diversity within family units, breaking free from conventional norms and embracing the significance of fictive kin relationships.
I am passionate about spreading awareness and emphasizing the importance and value of fictive kin relationships before, during and after a child's involvement in the child welfare system.
Fictive kin are essential caregivers in all communities. When a child cannot remain safely at home, we look to fictive kin to step in and care for them. Fictive kin are community members, related or unrelated by birth or marriage, who have close personal or emotional ties with a child. Studies show that these formal and informal support systems form bonds that “are as strong and lasting as those established by blood.” By relying on a broad spectrum of support like fictive kin, children can mitigate the feelings of loss caused by removal from their biological families and reduce trauma while keeping connected with safe, stable and nurturing relationships intended to last a lifetime.
Fictive kin placements are considered by DCFS from the beginning of agency involvement and are a significant benefit to Black communities, as Black children are disproportionately misrepresented in the foster care system and enter the system at a higher rate. By advocating for fictive kin, Black children can have a reduced chance of being placed in institutional care or the foster care system.
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Prioritizing the placement of children with known loved ones can transform the child welfare system into a more supportive and stable environment. As we celebrate Black History Month, it is imperative to recognize the rich tapestry of diversity within families. By embracing these natural bonds, we honor the resilience and strength inherent in all kinds of familial connections forged through love, support and shared experiences.
By Christopher Towers
Illinois DCFS Chief of African American Services