With nearly 14,000 kids in Arizona’s child welfare system in Arizona, there are many roles individuals can take on, and lately some of those roles have been falling on seniors.
And a common role seniors play includes kinship caregivers and volunteers. Josie Gaieck, community engagement specialist for Aid to Adoption of Special Kids, said kinship caregivers take care of a relatives child, typically grandchildren. And nearly 50% of youth placed in foster care are in a kinship foster placement.
“Without these grandparents, many of these youth would have a difficult time finding placement within their family. These familiar relationships help with stability and also allows the child to stay connected to their own heritage and traditions,” she said.
