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Benzie Manistee Kinship Initiative

An inclusive network of voices collaborating to strengthen and increase support for kinship families through advocacy, increased education, and raised awareness to equip all families to thrive.

What is Kinship Care?

"Kinship Care is the full-time care, nurturing and protection of children by relatives, members of their tribes or clans, godparents, stepparents, or any adult who has a kinship bond with a child."

— Child Welfare League of America, 2011

Resources:

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Adoptive Family Support Network (AFSN)

afsn@dabsj.org | 616.458.7945

Website | Facebook Page

Are you Here to Apply for a Minor Guardianship or POA?

We are members of the Michigan Kinship Care Coalition (MKCC) and caregivers. Navigating these systems is sometimes hard and we want YOU to make an informed choice to determine what is best for your family. As caregivers ourselves we have experience that can help find resources that may be available to you too. We also have experience working with foster and adoptive families.

What Next?

Contact us, we would like you to have a Kinship Caregiver Legal Guide before making that decision. This guide can help you choose which type of guardianship is best for your family. The guide was prepared by the Kinship Care Resource Center at MSU School of Social Work and funded by the State of Michigan Child Welfare Division.

Feeling Isolated?

You are not alone! We hold kinship support groups virtually. For more support join our private Facebook group AFSN Kinship Parents of Michigan here

CONTACT INFO:

Jeanne Strathmanjeanneahc@gmail.com • 231.633.9040

Deb Frisbiedebbiefrisbie@gmail.com • 616.889.0863