Josephine*, Lillian*, and Calvin* are two sisters and a brother aged 12, 10, and 7. When their mother became unable to care for them, their aunt and uncle opened their home to them. It was a safer, healthier environment, a familiar one too. Still, the siblings needed help dealing with the trauma they’d endured. They received that care at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families. At Stanford Sierra, the children’s aunt and uncle were also connected with Bianca*, a kinship navigator. Kinship navigators support relative caregivers such as aunts, uncles, and grandparents by providing information, advocacy, referrals, and follow-up services.

Bianca helped the aunt and uncle file the paperwork to establish legal guardianship of Josephine, Lillian, and Calvin. She also attended court dates with them. She had been through the family court system herself. Her personal and professional experience made her an especially helpful source of support. When the uncle was hurt on the job, Bianca helped them secure emergency assistance so they could continue caring for their nieces and nephew, until he was able to work again. Bianca also worked with the school district to connect the children with tutors.

Entering foster care can be a frightening, uncertain experience for a young person. Kinship caregivers provide reassurance, familiarity, and love that helps stabilize youth and allows them the chance to heal and continue their healthy social, emotional, and educational development. Kinship navigators are there to help. Today, Josephine, Lillian, and Calvin are thriving with the love, safety, and continuity that their aunt and uncle provide them. Bianca continues to play a supportive role in their success. 

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.​