ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a range of definitions and ways of conceptualizing kinship care, and traces how care by relatives has evolved from a matter of family duty to one of social policy. Some definitions of kinship caregiving concern both informal and formal child placement with relatives. The chapter highlights the experiences of children and families of color, within the broader context of kinship care. It describes historical and developments in kinship care and discusses policy implications. The chapter focuses on the narrower meaning most commonly encountered in historical contexts, which is out-of-home care provided by relatives to children in the custody of state child welfare agencies. Despite a history of Native children being intentionally removed from their kinship circles, kinship care has continued to be a central aspect of Native culture. Urban centers have seen the largest increase in kinship placements.
