Wozniak: Kinship caregivers provide the best homes for children in need

State Rep. Doug Wozniak supported bipartisan legislation passed by the Michigan House on Tuesday to provide better access to support services for Michigan’s kinship caregivers.

Kinship caregivers are extended relatives, such as grandparents, or family friends, such as godparents, who have a kinship bond with a child who step up to become the primary caregiver for that child when his or her biological parents are unwilling or unable to raise and nurture them. This form of care allows children to grow up in a family environment without the transitional foster care setting.

Studies show children placed into kinship families have better, healthier behavioral and emotional outcomes than children in traditional foster care. Unfortunately, many kinship caregivers experience challenges as children often face mental health hurdles in the wake of the trauma that results from abandonment. Wozniak said there is a need for a greater availability of resources for kinship caregivers who are feeling alone in their struggles.

“We must remove barriers that inhibit kinship care,” said Wozniak, of Shelby Township. “Providing resources for kinship caregivers will ensure Michigan children are given warm, loving homes and a greater chance at successful futures.”

House Bills 5443-4 were approved by the full House and now move to be considered by the Senate.

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