Kinship Navigator Program

Are you a kinship caregiver who needs help navigating the system of support available to you? Our Kinship Navigator Program can help! Fill out our referral form and contact your local Kinship Navigator. 

What is the Kinship Navigator Program?
The Kinship Navigator Program serves as a one-stop shop for information and referral services to grandparents, relatives and other caregivers who are currently raising a child.

Why was this program implemented?
The Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) has launched this program in direct response to the increasing number of grandparents and other caregivers who have assumed responsibility for raising another relatives' child(ren). The Kinship Navigator Program is designed to support and assist relative caregivers, understanding the importance of keeping children within their family unit, when their biological parent cannot adequately provide for them. 

Who does the Kinship Navigator Program serve?
A kinship caregiver serves as a short or long-term caregiver for relative child(ren). A kinship caregiver can be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling or anyone who has established a 'kin-like' bond with the child(ren). The majority of kinship care arrangements are informal, private arrangements between parents and relative caregivers, while other situations arise as a result of involvement with the child welfare system. Review the Kinship Pathway document to identify the caregiving arrangement that best describes your kinship role.

How will a Kinship Navigator assist me?
The kinship navigators are located statewide to assist kinship families in identifying and locating resources within their local community. The program’s overarching goal is to close the gaps and/or delays with service delivery to kinship caregivers. The Department of Human Services focuses on providing a responsive strength-based supportive role to our kinship families. 

Related Files

Kinship Program Manual 2023
1st year Kinship Navigator Evaluation FY20 Report
2nd year Kinship Navigator Program Evaluation FY21-22