Kinship Care
EVOLVE Family Services values keeping children connected to familiar settings and communities while in foster care. For this reason, EVOLVE values kinship care which prioritizes children being placed with relatives/kin, while efforts towards reunification are being made.
Kinship care allows children to be placed with relatives or trusted adults they already know, such as an aunt, grandparent, older sibling, cousin, close family friend, or community member with a significant relationship to the child.
Keeping children connected to their relatives and kin helps maintain trust, stability, and a sense of normalcy during a time of transition. Kinship care prioritizes a child’s well-being by preserving connections to family, community, and cultural heritage, which can help reduce the trauma of being separated from their primary caregivers.
We recognize that kinship caregivers often step into this role unexpectedly and may face unique challenges. Our team provides guidance and support throughout the kinship licensing process to help ensure children are safe, supported, and cared for in a familiar environment.
The licensing process helps ensure a child’s safety while in out-of-home care and includes:
Required paperwork
Background checks*
A home safety check
Training
A home study assessment to evaluate readiness, strengths, and support needs
If you are interested in learning more or beginning the process, we encourage you to schedule an informational session with our team.
If you have questions regarding your background check such as previous criminal offenses, please contact us at the email or phone number below as this will not automatically disqualify you from applying for kinship care.
Support for Kinship Caregivers
To schedule a consult and/or for additional information regarding relative/kin services, please fill out the form below.
If you are a County Worker hoping to make a referral for foster care/adoption licensing for a prospective relative/kin family for permanency planning purposes, please complete the Relative Referral Form
Kinship Support Group
Dates
March 27th - Virtual
Topic: "How to Talk with Youth About Sexual Health" Special Guest: Annex Teen Clinic
April 24th - In-person at Wilder
May 22nd - Virtual
June 26th - In-person at Wilder
July 24th - Virtual
During the in-person sessions, light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Our Kinship Support Group meets from 12:00–1:30 PM on the 4th Friday of each month, creating a safe and supportive space for caregivers. Each session offers opportunities to share experiences, gain resources, and build connections. Meetings alternate monthly between in‑person and virtual sessions for added flexibility.
EVOLVE’s Kinship Support Group will be facilitated by Cierra Buckner, LSW.
Each in-person session will be at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation (451 Lexington Parkway N, St. Paul, 55104) in the Merriam Park 2410 space.
Cierra is a licensed social worker, certified mental health first aider, and experienced community engagement practitioner with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families navigating challenging systems. Cierra brings a trauma-informed approach to her facilitation style, creating safe and empowering spaces for learning and dialogue.
She has facilitated numerous workshops for professionals, caregivers, and community members, focusing on a variety of topics, all of which center strategies for growth, healing, and resilience. With a passion for improving outcomes for children and families, Cierra strives to create supportive environments that uplift community and promote lasting change.
Meet Cierra Buckner, LSW