When “Kin” Means Anyone

The author argues that the concept of "kinship care" in foster-family placements has been excessively broadened by child-welfare agencies, leading to absurdities in its application. The piece examines the evolution of kinship care policies, highlighting instances where "kin" has expanded to include individuals with little to no familial connection, suggesting this undermines the original intent of prioritizing children's well-being. The author challenges the belief that broader definitions of kinship care inherently benefit children, positing that such placements may not be in the child's best interest due to compromised quality of care. This discussion reflects ongoing debates about policy flexibility and child welfare, indicating that the topic will remain relevant as child welfare policies evolve.