What happens when parents are unable to care for their children? Many enter foster care or adoption systems, but there is another form of guardianship that may not often be considered. When grandparents or other relatives take on the responsibility of raising children in place of their parents, this type of family is called kinship guardianship.

Kinship guardianship is not a new family structure. Between 2017 and 2025, 3 to 4 percent of all children in the United States lived in such a structure, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation Data Center. In Alabama, kinship guardianship declined between 2019 and 2021, with 7 percent of Alabama children living with grandparents or other relatives. As of 2025, 4 percent of children live in kinship care, consistent with the national average.

Common Challenges

Regardless of whether you are a grandparent or another relative, family members who care for their relatives’ children may face several challenges, such as the following:

• Financial strain. It can be a lot to suddenly be financially responsible for another person’s basic needs—such as clothing, food, and childcare. Grandparents may even need to return to work to cover unexpected costs.
• Health and wellness. Caregivers may face personal health challenges that make caring for children difficult. Children may also need help coping with family trauma.
• Relearning parenting. Grandparents or other relatives may have to learn new parenting skills and technology to relate to children in today’s society.
• Legal authority. It is important to secure legal guardianship to enroll children in school and for medical treatment. The Alabama Department of Human Resources can assist with legal matters regarding kinship guardianship.

Benefits

Although there are challenges with kinship guardianship, child-welfare professionals, families, and others have often noted the benefits and rewards of this family structure. In fact, when a child has to move from their home environment, kinship guardianship is often preferred over foster care or nonkinship placements. A few of the benefits of kinship guardianship include the following:

• Stability. Children are less likely to be shuffled from one household to another, which provides a much-needed sense of permanency.
• Fewer setbacks. Having to be moved from household to household can result in disturbing experiences for children. Stressful and disturbing experiences can cause a great deal of trauma for some children, which can lead to setbacks. Living with a relative can provide children with a sense of security, as they do not have to adjust to living with strangers.
• Preserves cultural and family identities. Living with relatives allows children to develop a sense of belonging and connection with people who share their values, traditions, and beliefs.
• Less abuse and neglect. Children living with relatives tend to experience less abuse and neglect. Because they are less likely to experience further abuse or neglect, their overall well-being is improved.

Community Resources

For kinship families, there are many resources available to ensure their success.

• Alabama Family Central—alabamafamilycentral.org
• 211 Helpline—Call 211 for resources in your community.
• Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network—gksnetwork.org
• Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association—afapa.org
• Grandparents as Parents—gapalabama.org
• AARP’s A Guide to Grandparenting—aarp.org/caregiving/grandparents

Summary

Kinship guardianship comes with both advantages and challenges that vary from state to state. Families often face financial limitations and are required to complete extensive training—sometimes up to 10 weeks—before assuming care. Relatives who step in to care for children may also encounter ongoing difficulties in accessing consistent support and resources. However, people cannot overlook the benefits of placing children with family members. Kinship care provides children with a sense of security, preserves important family connections, and is associated with lower rates of abuse and neglect. These factors contribute significantly to a child’s emotional well-being and long-term stability.

Families who take on the responsibility of caring for a relative’s children should remember that they are not alone. Community resources and support systems exist to assist them through this journey. Ultimately, kinship guardianship plays a vital role in promoting stability and strengthening family unity.