Resources for Relative Caregivers
The CHERISH program is familiar with the following resources. For the most current information, please contact each resource directly. If you are receiving CHERISH services and need assistance with resources, contact your CHERISH team.
Transition Toolkit: English | Spanish
Transition Toolkit Supporting Materials:
- Child Information Form
- All About Me (0 – 12 Months)
- All About Me (1 – 17 Years)
- This is my story (fill-in life book)
“All About Me” created by County of San Diego/Health Human Services Agency/Child Welfare Services. “This is my story” created by Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families.
Connections Brochure: Tips for Caregivers: English
Connections Brochure Supporting Materials: First Telephone Call from a Foster Parent to a Parent
Child only or “non-needy” TANF provides subsidies for relative caregivers. Note: seeking this funding may engage the state Child Support Office, which may start a Child Support action against parent(s).
DCYF information and resources related to kinship caregiving. More Info
Online support group for caregivers. More Info
DCYF Foster Parent & Relative Caregiver Support Line – Answered by DCYF social workers who can offer behavior management advice, problem solving tips, and just listen. 1-800-301-1868
Discussion forum for caregivers.
Provides a subsidy for children placed with a qualified licensed relative when it is determined during a shared planning meeting that guardianship is in the child’s best interests.
The Alliance offers courses for caregivers.
For 1:1 mentoring sessions on a variety of topics available to caregivers statewide, enter “Individual Learner Centered Skill Development” in the course search box. For these mentoring sessions, the foster parent/relative caregiver is partnered with a local “coach” to provide resources, support, etc. These sessions count for training hours!
In partnership with the Alliance’s CaRES program, Amara CaRES Kinship program provides supports to kinship families across the state who are caring for kids who have entered the foster care system.
A multidisciplinary center and medical home for children of all ages who are placed outside of the home, whether in kinship care, foster care, or in a group setting.
Resources and information about kinship care from the Department of Social and Health Services.
The Family Help Line is a toll-free number from anywhere in Washington State, available to parents, caregivers, and anyone who has an interest or questions about a child in their community.
Through the Kinship Care Solutions project, the King County Bar Association provides free legal representation for relatives and other caregivers seeking nonparental custody (also known as third party custody) of a child/ren through a panel of volunteer attorneys. Their mission is to ensure that children have safe, stable homes through custody with caring relatives and other caregivers (family must be King County residents or cases must be able to file in King County superior court).