II. RESOURCES FOR KINSHIP FAMILIES

The Minnesota Kinship Caregivers Association (MKCA) Legend

The MKCA existed as a formal non-profit from 1996-2012 was founded by kinship caregivers and other concerned parties. Prior to the formation of the non-profit, MKCA was a grassroots volunteer organization addressing the crucial role of relatives and kin caring for other's children. The MKCA's mission was to provide public policy advocacy, support, information, and referral to caregivers who are raising relative's or friend's children.

In October 2009, MKCA was awarded a Family Connections Kinship Navigator Grant funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As a result of this demonstration project, MKCA was able to serve more than 2,167 caregiver relatives and their children, and help to improve their safety, stability and well-being. The final evaluation is full of valuable findings from MKCA's work with caregivers, it was prepared through Wilder Research is available online at Minnesota Kinship Navigator Project - Final Progress Report, 2009-2012.pdf and a summary is available at Kinship Caregivers in Minnesota - Summary of Findings from a Three-Year Federal Demonstration Project.pdf.

MKCA looked to others to carry on their vital services after they dissolved on February 15, 2013.

MKCA originally produced the Legal Steps Manual which addresses the caregiver's need to better understand their legal relationship options with the children they are caring for. 

The statewide Relative Caregiver Warmline is be available through the Raising Relative's Children program of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. The Warmline is available for information, resources and support to caregivers on legal options, financial resources and other community resources. The Relative Caregiver Warmline is available at 651-917-4640 or toll-free 877-917-4640. You can also contact a kinship navigator by email at Warmline@lssmn.org.