The term "kincare" applies to family situations where children are being raised by relatives other than their biological parents. In many situations, it's because the parents are unfit or unable to care for a child due to mental illness, drug addiction or incarceration.
In Idaho, nearly 30,000 children under the age of 18 live in homes where the householders are grandparents or other relatives. More than 10,000 are raised entirely by their grandparents.
In Boise alone, 943 grandparents are the householders and are responsible for their
grandchildren living with them.
Wednesday, an international expert on kincare will be speaking at Boise State University to share information, connections, and resources with family members raising a loved one's children.
The Idaho KinCare Project is hosting a 3-city speaking tour on May 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. This event is co-sponsored by Social Work Departments at Lewis-Clark State College (Lewiston), Boise State University (Boise), and Idaho State University (Pocatello).
Nationally known speaker Dr. Andrea Smith from Western Michigan University will be speaking at a free event for kinship providers, educator, physicians, stakeholders, legislators, social workers, and anyone who cares about the health and well-being of the nearly 30,000 children under the age of 18 in Idaho who are being supported and cared for by over 10,000 family members.
For more information on the event click here.
To register for the event click here.
