Kinship Navigator Program®

Foster Kinship’s Navigator Program® is our core program designed to help families who step up to raise a relative’s or close family friend’s child.

The Model

When children cannot safely live with their parents, caregivers often have to figure everything out on their own with little time or support. We are here to change that.

We walk alongside families to help them meet immediate needs, build long-term stability, and create safe, nurturing homes where children can heal and thrive.

How We Support Families

We focus on the areas that matter most for keeping children safe and families stable:

  • Legal Capacity
    We help you understand and secure the right legal relationship with the child in your care so you can make decisions and access services.
  • Financial Sustainability
    We help you access benefits and financial resources to meet your family’s needs.
  • Parenting and Child Community Connection
    We connect you to services, supports, and community resources based on your unique situation.
  • Caregiver Emotional Support
    We make sure you have the support system you need through guidance, peer connection, and ongoing encouragement.

When families are supported in these areas, children are more likely to stay safely with family and avoid entering foster care with strangers.

What We Help You Achieve

Our goal is to help you provide a safe, stable, and nurturing home for your child(ren).  We work alongside you to:

  • Meet your family’s immediate needs, 
  • Create a stable and secure home, 
  • Build your confidence and support as a caregiver, and 
  • Support your child’s healing and development.

Who We Serve

We support any caregiver in Nevada who is raising a relative’s or friend’s child full-time, including: 

  • Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, adult siblings, and other relatives
  • Close family friends (fictive kin)
  • Families involved in the foster care system
  • Families caring for children outside of the system
  • Families in transition or stepping in during a crisis
  • Families who have adopted or have legal guardianship and still need support

All services are free and available statewide in Nevada. Services are offered in English and Spanish, as well as in-person at our office, in the community, or online. 

Our Services

Just a few of the things that make the Navigator Program work.

1

Kinship Helpline

Have questions? Start here.

Our Kinship Helpline connects you with a real person who understands kinship care. We can answer your questions, connect you to resources, and help you get started with services.

Hours:

Tuesday to Thursday: 9 AM to 7 PM

Friday to Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM

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This is not a crisis line.

For urgent needs, contact Nevada 2-1-1

To report abuse or neglect, contact your local child welfare agency

2

Resource Locator Tool

Not sure where to start? Our free online tool helps you find resources based on your situation, location, and your child’s needs.

Available in English and Spanish for all Nevada zip codes.

3

Kinship Resource Centers

Our Resource Centers are a welcoming place where you can get help in person or remotely.

We can help you:

  • Apply for child-only TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid
  • Complete guardianship paperwork
  • Access emergency items like clothing, diapers, and food
  • Use computers, printers, and other tools
  • Meet with a Family Advocate
  • Get documents notarized

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Location: 8691 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV

Appointments available in person or remotely.

4

Case Management (Family Advocacy)

Our case management program provides one-on-one support tailored to your family.

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We work with you to:

  • Create a personalized plan
  • Apply for benefits like child-only TANF
  • Complete guardianship paperwork
  • Connect with community resources
  • Access transportation and limited financial support

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How it works:

  • You complete a family assessment
  • We build a custom plan together
  • You receive ongoing support for up to 6 months

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We ask families to stay engaged so we can best support long-term stability.

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Eligibility 

In order to be eligible caregivers must:

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1. Be caring for a relative’s child full time, with no parents in the home,

2. Be residents of Nevada,

3. Complete a family evaluation with a Family Advocate,

4. Demonstrate a specific short-term need,

5. Demonstrate the capability to provide a long-term, stable home for the child(ren),

6. Be willing to actively participate in Foster Kinship’s family advocacy case plan.

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Program Requirements

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Kinship caregivers who qualify for Family Advocacy will be asked to participate for up to 180 days to ensure they receive the emotional support, legal information and community connections so vital to long-term family stability. After the family evaluation, each caregiver will receive an individualized family case plan with recommendations, referrals and required participation activities. Not participating in the care plan and case management services may be grounds to discontinue services and/or financial support.

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Each family is different and the determination of financial support received will be made individually to meet the needs of particular families based on funds and resources available to Foster Kinship.  Foster Kinship retains the right to make the final decision on program acceptance and financial assistance.

5

In-Home Support

For some families, we bring services directly to your home. This is often available for families involved in the foster care system and may be available to others based on need.

6

Trauma-Informed Parent Workshop & Support Groups

You are not alone. Our support groups connect you with other caregivers who understand what you’re going through.

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These groups are safe, judgment-free, and led by trained facilitators. Some groups include meals, childcare, and training credit for licensed caregivers. Click here to learn more. 

7

Benefits Application Support and Processing

Many kinship caregivers qualify for public assistance through child-only TANF (cash assistance), SNAP (food assistance), and Medicaid (health insurance). 

We help you:

  • Check if you qualify
  • Complete your application
  • Connect directly with our on-site DSS workers

This helps you avoid long wait times and get support faster.

8

Notary and Legal Support Services

We provide free services to reduce the cost of legal stability, including:

  • Notary services
  • Copies and document support
  • Filing and mailing costs
  • Assistance accessing birth certificates and other records
9

Emergency Resources

We provide essential items when families need them most, including:

  • Diapers and wipes
  • Clothing and shoes
  • Car seats
  • School supplies and holiday support
10

Family Events

We host events throughout the year to bring families together. These events include seasonal celebrations, back-to-school events, and holiday support. 

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They are a chance to have fun as a family, connect with other caregivers, and meet community partners and resources.

Explore More in our Resource Library

Learn More
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