Kinship Partners
Kinship Partners is a program dedicated to working with the community to build awareness about kinship care and provide support for caregivers.
The Kinship Partners Program offers the following services:
- Technical assistance to agencies and caregivers that want to develop and maintain support groups
- Effective promotion and recruitment methods
- Effective start-up and sustaining strategies
- Characteristics of support groups and their members
- Workshops and presentations to build awareness and educate the community about kinship care and the Florida Kinship Center
- Supportive, short-term counseling to caregivers and their families that are adjusting to a new family structure
- Liaison and referrals to different community agencies for financial. medical, legal and other assistance
Kinship Partners Program Goals
Kinship Partners receives funding from The West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging to provide services in three specific areas.
We are committed to achieving the following goals in each area:
- Information and Education - an important part of building public awareness and enhancing community support for kinship families.
- We are committed to coordinating presentations for each child welfare agency and caregiver support group in our participating counties.
- Counseling - the way we provide direct support to caregivers and their families.
- We are committed to the development and maintenance of a kinship caregiver support group in each participating county.
- Outreach - proactively seeking caregivers that may feel isolated and are unaware of the network of support available in their communities.
- We are committed to participating in locally-sponsored community fairs to locate caregivers and connect them to the Warmline and a kinship support group if available.
Kinship Partners Funding Sources
- West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging is the corporation designated to administer funds for elder services in Hardee, Hillsborough, Highlands, Manatee and Polk Counties. They have provided funding to the Florida Kinship Center since 1999. For more information, go to http://www.wcfaaa.org.
The Florida Kinship Center commends these agencies for their commitment to kinship families and appreciates their continued support of the Center.
Kinship Partners FAQ
Who is eligible for Kinship Partners?
Any caregiver or agency located in Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Polk counties.
What is the cost for Kinship Partners Services?
There are no fees for this service.
How can I get in contact with Kinship Partners?
Just call the Warmline - The call is free!
In the Tampa Bay area dial locally to 813-974-1328.
Elsewhere in Florida, dial 1-800-640-6444.
The staff will connect you with the Network Coordinator for your area.
We are very appreciative to our funding agencies. Because we are a non-profit center that is solely dependent on grants and donations, we are in need of continued funding and support. If you would like to make a conribution to the center, visit the USF Foundation site.