More than 13,000 children and youth in BC are being raised by relatives who aren’t their birth parents. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other loving family members often step in during times of crisis, offering stability, connection, and belonging when a child cannot remain with their parents.

Yet despite the vital role they play, kinship caregivers often face unique challenges with little formal support. Many say they feel overlooked in systems designed for birth, foster, or adoptive parents. While those parents often have access to training, structured services, and financial assistance, kinship families frequently have to navigate trauma, attachment issues, financial strain, and school-related struggles largely on their own.

Because of this lack of recognition and support, it’s essential to remind kinship caregivers that they are not alone.

Children in kinship care face many of the same needs as those in foster or adoptive homes: strong emotions, the effects of loss and trauma, and the need for patient, trauma-informed parenting and trust-building. And because of that, kinship families belong in the broader adoption and permanency community.

At the Belonging Network, we want all kinship caregivers to know that we’re here for you. We understand that at the heart of permanency — whether through adoption, foster-to-adopt, or kinship care — are children who need stability, healing, and connection, and caregivers who need encouragement, understanding, and support to keep going.

Our community understands what it’s like to face meltdowns in the grocery store, to advocate fiercely at school, and to guide children who’ve experienced loss. We know what it’s like to feel judged by others who don’t understand trauma, and we know how much it matters when you have a community to walk with you through it.

Through the Belonging Network, kinship caregivers can access:

  • Virtual support groups: Join our weekly drop-in coffee chats and monthly parent meetups. These are safe, welcoming spaces to connect with others who understand the ups and downs of trauma-informed parenting, all from the comfort of your home. Take a look at our Events Calendar for upcoming sessions.
  • In-person support groups: Our Face to Face Connections events take place every three months across BC, offering opportunities to build friendships and community in person.
  • Private Facebook groups: Online spaces where you can ask questions, share stories, and receive encouragement from other kinship families. You can join the Kinship group here.
  • One-to-one support: Connect with our Family Support Specialist by phone or text, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. She’s someone you can talk to for advice, guidance, or simply a listening ear.
  • Referrals to trauma-informed professionals: Our team can help you find the right supports and services for your family’s unique needs. Email us at familysupport@belongingnetwork.com.
  • Trauma-Informed Parenting workshop: Offered a couple of times throughout the year, this three-part online workshop will empower you with trauma-informed tools and strategies. Join the waitlist here.
  • Other parenting workshops: Programs like Teen Connect and Circle of Security help you build confidence, strengthen relationships, and connect with a supportive community. Be sure to check our Events Calendar regularly to see what’s coming up!

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re caring for a grandchild, niece, nephew, or a child of a family friend, you’re part of a wider community that’s here for you.