Kinship Navigator Program

Supporting kinship caregivers in Illinois

Illinois DCFS is committed to serving children and families by strengthening and preserving family bonds whenever possible. Relative caregivers often assume responsibility for children when parents are unable to provide care, and the department recognizes the vital role these caregivers play in promoting their safety, stability and well‑being.

Through the Relatives Raising Children/Extended Family Support (EFSP) program, DCFS provides Kinship Navigator services to kinship caregivers who are caring for children outside of DCFS care and the formal child welfare system. These services are designed to support caregivers in accessing resources, navigating community systems and maintaining stable, nurturing environments for the children in their care.

To support the Kinship in Demand Act (KIND) Act’s passage, DCFS is responsible for ensuring that federal funds allocated for the Kinship Navigator Program are utilized to support the development, implementation and operation of services for formal kinship caregivers. These services may include information, referral supports and assistance tailored to the specific needs of relative and certified relative caregivers of youth in care. DCFS intends to pilot an evidence‑based Kinship Navigator model listed in the Title IV‑E Prevention Services Clearinghouse in 2027.

Through extensive stakeholder outreach, DCFS has identified several priority areas essential to effective caregiver support:

• Immediate and ongoing concrete needs.
• Immediate and ongoing emotional support.
• Accessible information and resources.
• Intensive family finding services.
• Recognition of kinship-specific experiences.
• Consistent practice and service delivery statewide.
• Assistance navigating multiple systems.
•  In-home support services.

DCFS intends to leverage available funding opportunities to support the implementation and evaluation of a Kinship Navigator Program and will publish periodic updates on this page detailing progress.