Kin/grandfamily caregivers are often socially isolated from their peers and may feel guilt and shame about their adult relative or friend who is unable to parent, especially if it is their own adult child. They may neglect their own physical and/or mental health as they focus on caring for the children.
Kinship is the most universal and basic of all human relationships and is based on ties of blood, marriage, or adoption. There are two basic kinds of kinship ties in sociology: Those based on blood that trace descent. Those based on marriage, adoption, or other connections.
The Washington State Kinship Navigator program is intended to support formal and informal kinship caregivers and the children they are raising. Washington state defines a kinship caregiver as any individual who steps in to raise a child when the child's parents are unable to do so.
The state-funded Kinship Caregivers Support Program (KCSP) is available for kinship families who are not involved with the child welfare system. It is available in every county and provides financial assistance of up to $1,500 a year per family for the purpose of meeting concrete needs.
Requirements For Becoming an In-Home Caregiver in Washington State Be 18 years old or older. Be authorized to work in the U.S. Provide a picture ID of yourself. Pass a criminal conviction background check. Complete Washington State's caregiver training requirements.
Home Care Aides (HCAs) also known as Long Term Care Workers (LTCWs) need 75 hours of training with a state approved training program, and they must take a state certification exam. They need to take 12 hours of training annually to retain their certification.
Kittitas Interactive Management Services (KIM) is a leading provider of in-home support services for adults with developmental disabilities in Yakima and Ellensburg, Washington.