Kinship Navigator Program

Supporting kinship caregivers in Illinois

Illinois DCFS is responsible for protecting children, strengthening families and preserving familial connections whenever safely possible. Kinship caregivers, relatives and close family friends who assume caregiving responsibilities when parents are unable to do so play a critical role in maintaining continuity, stability and well‑being for children across Illinois.

Current kinship navigator services

DCFS presently delivers Kinship Navigator services through the Relatives Raising Children/Extended Family Support Program (EFSP). These services support informal kinship caregivers who care for children outside of DCFS custody and the formal child welfare system. EFSP offers assistance in accessing resources, navigating community systems and maintaining stable home environments.

In alignment with the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act, DCFS is expanding its kinship navigator framework to support both informal and formal caregivers, including relative caregivers of children with whom the department has a legal relationship.

Selection of evidence‑based model

To guide statewide implementation, Illinois has selected the Nevada Foster Kinship Model for replication. The Nevada model is listed in the Title IV‑E Prevention Services Clearinghouse as an approved evidence based kinship navigator intervention. It serves both informal caregivers traditionally supported through EFSP and formal caregivers within the child welfare system. Adoption of this model positions Illinois to maximize federal claiming opportunities and ensures alignment with nationally recognized best practices.

Federal grant application and Title IV‑E claiming

DCFS has submitted a federal grant application, which is currently pending, to obtain funding to support the replication of the Nevada Foster Kinship Model statewide. As implementation moves forward, DCFS intends to amend its Title IV‑E plan to begin claiming federal reimbursement for kinship navigation services by July 1, 2027. This approach supports long‑term sustainability and reduces reliance on state‑only funding sources.

Stakeholder engagement and identified priorities

Through extensive stakeholder engagement, including caregivers, providers, youth with lived experience and community partners, DCFS identified several priority needs central to supporting kinship families across Illinois:

• Immediate and ongoing concrete supports.
• Emotional support and caregiver well‑being.
• Clear, accessible information and resource navigation.
• Enhanced family finding services.
• Recognition of kinship specific experiences and needs.
• Consistent statewide practice and service delivery.
• Assistance navigating multiple systems and service providers.
• In home support services to stabilize placements.

These priorities inform the design of Illinois’ Kinship Navigator Program and the planned replication of the Nevada model.

Next steps

DCFS will continue advancing efforts to implement an evidence‑based statewide Kinship Navigator Program by:

• Preparing for replication of the Nevada Foster Kinship Model.
• Completing updates to the Title IV‑E plan.
• Finalizing operational guidance and statewide training.
• Leveraging federal funding opportunities, contingent on grant approval.
• Publishing periodic updates on the department’s website to keep legislators, stakeholders and the public informed.

Illinois DCFS remains committed to strengthening supports for kinship caregivers and improving outcomes for children who rely on these caring adults. The selection of the Nevada Foster Kinship Model, combined with pending federal funding and future Title IV‑E claiming, represents a significant step toward establishing a consistent, evidence‑based Kinship Navigator Program statewide. Continued collaboration with caregivers, partners and the General Assembly will ensure that Illinois meets the needs of families and promotes safe, stable and connected caregiving environments.