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Kinship Advocacy Network
Turning lived experience into advocacy, leadership, and lasting change.
Kinship Advocacy Network (KAN)
The Kinship Advocacy Network (KAN) is Foster Kinship’s advocacy initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of kinship caregivers and stakeholders involved in kinship care and the child welfare system. Through KAN, we work to create positive change at the local, state, and federal levels by championing best practices, strengthening support systems, and advocating for policies that improve outcomes for children and families in kinship care.
KAN brings together caregivers, youth, professionals, and community partners to ensure the lived experiences of kinship families help shape systems, services, and legislation. By elevating these voices, we strive to build a future where children in kinship care receive the support, stability, and opportunities they deserve.
Whether sharing lived experience, participating in advocacy opportunities, or helping inform policy priorities, KAN empowers individuals to turn their experiences into meaningful change.
Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is the youth component of KAN, designed for young people ages 14–24 with lived experience in kinship care, foster care, guardianship, or adoption.
YAB provides opportunities for youth and young adults to build leadership skills, connect with peers, and use their voices to help improve systems of care. Participants engage in discussions about issues impacting children and families, explore advocacy and policy efforts, and help shape recommendations that strengthen support for youth growing up in non-parental care.
YAB empowers youth to turn lived experience into leadership while building confidence, connection, and community.
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