Kinship care, where relatives or close family friends care for children, has deep historical roots in many communities. Kin caregivers often need resources like financial help, child care, health care, transportation, and legal services. Mississippi’s Kinship Care Navigator Program (KCNP) connects caregivers to these supports, but demand exceeds supply, leaving many on waitlists. Although early data indicate positive outcomes, rigorous evidence is needed to secure lasting federal funding. This project will use a randomized controlled trial to evaluate KCNP’s impact on child safety, permanency, and family needs. Findings and tools will be shared openly to help improve kinship care outcomes statewide and beyond.
Evaluation of the Kinship Care Navigator Program in Mississippi: Child Welfare Outcomes and Family Resource Needs