Mission Statement
Unite communities in Utah in recognizing, supporting, and advocating for children and caregivers in kinship care.
Vision
All kinship families are empowered to provide a stable, safe, resilient, and healthy environment for children to thrive.
Our Work
The Utah Kinship Coalition convenes monthly through Zoom and/or in person, providing a consistent space for collaboration and information sharing among members. Meetings are led by James Toledo, Deputy Director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs. Each month, a different coalition member presents on their agency’s services and supports available to kinship families. These meetings also serve as a platform for sharing upcoming events, exploring collaborative opportunities, and discussing current programs benefiting the kinship community.
Subcommittees
There are three subcommittees that members participate in:
Outreach and Advocacy
This focus area works to grow coalition membership by engaging community partners, extending invitations to new members, and promoting public awareness through initiatives such as Governor’s declarations and other advocacy efforts..
State and Legal Resources
This group develops and maintains resource lists based on the evolving needs of the kinship community. Resources are gathered from coalition members and broader community networks to support both kinship families and the organizations that serve them.
Kinship Month
Each September, Utah celebrates Kinship Month. The coalition leads statewide efforts including social media campaigns, virtual town halls, and community events to honor and raise awareness of kinship caregivers and their families
National Kinship Care Month
September is recognized as National Kinship Care Month.
Historically, the Utah Kinship Coalition has celebrated this month by holding a virtual kinship townhall. Recordings of past townhalls can be found here.
For 2025 the coalition held a large event for any and all kinship families in Utah. The event, Our Kinship Journey: Stories Through Art, brought together caregivers and youth to share their stories through various forms of art. Photography, drawing, poems, crafts, and more.
The Coalition
Utah State Board of Education
Utah Foster Care
Website: Utah Foster Care
Voices for Utah Children
Website: Voices for Utah Children
Utah Division of Indian Affairs
CSS GRANDfamilies
Raise the Future
Website: Raise the Future
DHHS Child and Family Services
Website: Child and Family Services
DHHS Aging and Adult Services
Website: Division of Aging & Adult Services
Department of Workforce Services
Website: Department of Workforce Services
Matovu Research Lab
Research study:
Facts About Kinship Care
A snapshot of the families stepping in to provide love and stability
64,865
children living in homes where a relative is the head of household
That's enough kids to fill 10 large elementary schools! These families show the power of kinship care, keeping children connected to their roots and surrounded by love.
21,000
children being raised by kin with no parent present in the home
When parents can't be there, relatives step up. These 21,000 children are growing up in stable, loving homes thanks to the dedication of their extended family.
13,247
grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren
Grandparents are doing double duty, raising a new generation while often navigating their own retirement years. Their love and sacrifice keep families strong!
758
children in foster care being raised by kin
Even in foster care, family comes first. These 758 children are with relatives who provide a familiar and comforting environment during challenging times.
27 to 1
Children raised by kin outside vs. inside of foster care
For every 1 child in the foster care system, 27 more are being raised by relatives in informal arrangements, often without access to critical resources.
*According to data collected by the United States Census Bureau, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count Data Center and the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS).
Kinship care is a vital but often unseen part of child welfare. In Utah alone, tens of thousands of children are being raised by relatives, keeping them connected to family and culture. The infographic below highlights key facts about kinship families in our state, showing the impact of their love and dedication:
GrandFacts Fact Sheets
The GrandFacts State Fact Sheets for grandfamilies include state-specific data and programs, as well as information about public benefits, educational assistance, legal relationship options, and state laws. Visit grandfamilies.org to find this, and all GrandFacts State Fact Sheets.
Follow this link for the Utah Fact Sheet.
Kinship Care FAQ's
Have questions about kinship care? Below are answers to some of the most common questions, along with resources to help kinship families as you take on this responsibility.
What is kinship care?
Kinship care refers to the full-time care of children by relatives or close family friends when their parents are unable to care for them. This arrangement helps maintain family bonds and provides a sense of stability for the child.
Who can be a kinship caregiver in Utah?
In Utah, kinship caregivers can include:
- Non-custodial parents
- Relatives such as grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins
- Stepparents and stepsiblings
- Close family friends or godparents
For a detailed list, visit the Utah Division of Child and Family Services’ kinship care page.
What are the benefits of kinship care?
When a child can no longer stay with their parents, kinship care offers several advantages, including:
- Maintaining family connections and cultural traditions
- Providing a sense of stability and continuity for the child
- Reducing trauma associated with placement in unfamiliar settings
- Experiencing fewer school changes and better behavioral and mental health outcomes
What are the challenges commonly faced by kinship caregivers?
Common challenges include:
- Navigating legal and bureaucratic systems
- Accessing financial assistance
- Managing the child’s emotional and behavioral needs
- Balancing caregiving responsibilities with personal commitments
GRANDfamilies offers support groups and counseling services that can help to address these challenges.
What support services are available for kinship caregivers in Utah?
- Case management
- Educational workshops
- Support groups
- Mental health services
- Resource Locator Tool
See our Services page for more information.
Are there financial assistance programs available for kinship caregivers in Utah?
Yes, kinship caregivers in Utah may be eligible for financial assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For more information, visit Assistance (Department of Workforce Services)
Do kinship caregivers need to become licensed foster parents?
In Utah, while it’s not mandatory for kinship caregivers to become licensed foster parents, obtaining a license can provide access to additional support services and financial assistance. The Utah Foster Care website offers guidance on the licensing process.
How can I legalize my status as a kinship caregiver?
Legalizing your status will most often be done through the court system. If you would like assistance in navigating your options as a kinship caregiver, you can find support through GRANDfamilies at Children’s Service Society or the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.
Are there training programs available for kinship caregivers?
Yes! GRANDfamilies at Children’s Service Society and Utah Foster Care both offer kinship-specific trainings.
GRANDfamilies offers a 10-week psychoeducational program for kinship caregivers, adolescents and children. This class is led by experienced family advocates and co-facilitated by kinship caregivers. These classes address common challenges and provide valuable guidance in a supportive group setting.
Utah Foster Care offers training sessions that provide insights into the kinship family experience, potential situations, solutions to common problems, and other relevant topics.
How can I connect with other kinship caregivers for support?
GRANDfamilies offers multiple ways for kinship caregivers to find support and connection: Our 10-week psychoeducational course provides a strong foundation for caregivers, while our weekly virtual Grief & Loss support group, led by a clinical team member, offers a safe space to process emotions and find encouragement.
Families who complete our 10-week course are also invited to Friend 2 Friend (F2F) events, monthly gatherings designed to foster connection through fun activities, workshops, and community-building experiences. These events help strengthen family bonds and provide ongoing support for both caregivers and children.
How can I join the Utah Kinship Coalition?
To get started, contact us to schedule an intake appointment.
Remember, all the services we offer are funded by grants and donations so they are always FREE to kinship caregivers. There is no reason not to call!
801-326-4409
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Interested in joining the coalition? Email
