When parents cannot care for their children, grandparents or other relatives often step in as primary caregivers, although they may face significant hardships. Congress provided funding to states to support programs that help these kin caregivers navigate programs and services for which they are eligible. States can also access additional federal matching funds if they operate programs determined by HHS to be evidence based. GAO was asked to review how states are investing in these programs.
This report examines (1) elements of kinship navigator programs that HHS and child welfare stakeholders identified as being beneficial for families; (2) how states are using federal funds administered by HHS to invest in their programs; and (3) challenges selected states reported facing in developing programs that meet federal evidence-based requirements, and the extent to which HHS has addressed those challenges.
Read the report here.