Explain the term "kinship care."

Kinship care refers to a placement option where a child is cared for by relatives or close family friends. This approach prioritizes maintaining familial connections and stability for the child, as it typically occurs in a familiar environment, which can help ease the emotional challenges associated with separation from their parents. The main goal of kinship care is to provide continuity and support by placing the child in the care of someone who has a pre-existing relationship with them, thus minimizing trauma and disruption in their lives.

In contrast, programs for children awaiting adoption, foster care models with paid caregivers, and support groups for caregivers do not specifically denote the practice of kinship care. Each of these options serves different purposes within the broader child welfare system, but they lack the critical element of familial relationships that is foundational to kinship care.