Recently, an aunt and uncle stepped up to provide exceptional care for their two nephews and niece. The county had removed the children from their parents’ custody due to domestic violence and drugs in the home.

Despite not having children of their own, the aunt and uncle embraced their sudden, unexpected role with compassion, love, and patience. There were rules and regulations to learn and new organizations to become familiar with: the child welfare department, schools and pre-schools, as well as the various services at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families (SSYAF). Even when it seemed overwhelming, they stayed focused on the wellbeing of the children.

SSYAF’s Pathways to Permanency (P2P) helped them navigate it all. P2P led them through the resource-family approval process and provided the children with the therapy they needed to begin healing from the trauma they’d experienced. P2P staff also visited their home regularly to support the family’s progress, answer questions, and talk about next steps.

The aunt and uncle rose to the occasion every time, even though they both had jobs. They attended every meeting. They learned about the children’s needs to make sure each one received the care they deserved. They complied with home studies and assessments. They even took some parenting classes. Before long, they had finalized the adoption.

Even after finalization, P2P continued its involvement. P2P worked with the aunt and uncle, the kids, and their biological parents to schedule visits, so the children can stay connected to their biological parents in a way that supports their safety and wellbeing.

The journey of kinship care is unique to each family. But in each instance, it helps children receive care and love from people they already know, providing them much-needed continuity and enabling them to heal and grow. P2P is proud to be a part of it.

*Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.​