Kinship Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kinship care is when a child is cared for by relatives or close family friends (often called “fictive kin”) when they cannot safely live with their parents. In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, kinship care can be:

  • Formal (statutory) kinship care – arranged and overseen by the court and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
  • Informal (private or non‑statutory) kinship care – arranged within the family or social network without court or Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement.

In West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, kinship care is an important part of keeping children connected to their families, schools, neighborhoods, and culture while ensuring safety and stability.

Types of Kinship Care in Michigan

Formal / Statutory Kinship Care

Formal kinship care occurs when:

  • Child Protective Services (CPS) has investigated a concern about child safety.
  • A decision is made that the child cannot remain with their parents.
  • The Kent County Family Court or another Michigan court orders placement with a relative or close family friend.

In Grand Rapids, formal kinship placements are coordinated through MDHHS – Kent County and may involve partnerships with local agencies and health systems such as:

  • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health

Formal kinship caregivers are usually required to:

  • Complete background checks and a basic home assessment.
  • Work with a caseworker on a safety and care plan.
  • Participate in court hearings and follow court orders.

Informal / Private Kinship Care

Informal or non‑statutory kinship care happens when:

  • Families make their own arrangements for a child to live with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or trusted family friend.
  • There is no court order and no active CPS case.

In Grand Rapids, these arrangements are common when parents are struggling with:

  • Substance use
  • Mental health concerns
  • Housing instability or homelessness
  • Incarceration
  • Chronic illness or disability

Informal kinship caregivers may not receive the same financial support as licensed foster or formal kinship caregivers, but they can often access:

  • Public benefits (e.g., Medicaid, MIChild, food assistance)
  • Local support services through the Kent County Health Department, Grand Rapids Public Health, and community nonprofits.

Why Kinship Care Matters in Grand Rapids

Kinship care helps children in West Michigan:

  • Stay connected to their family, school, and community.
  • Maintain cultural, religious, and community ties.
  • Experience less disruption than in non‑relative foster care.
  • Feel more secure and supported during a difficult time.

In a city like Grand Rapids—with cold winters, diverse neighborhoods, and a mix of urban and suburban communities—kinship caregivers often play a critical role in:

  • Ensuring children have safe, warm housing during severe Michigan winters.
  • Managing school transportation in snowy or icy conditions.
  • Coordinating medical care with local providers, including pediatric clinics at Spectrum Health/Corewell Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Support and Training for Kinship Caregivers in Grand Rapids

Education and Training

Kinship caregivers in Grand Rapids can benefit from training focused on:

  • Trauma‑informed care
  • Parenting children who have experienced abuse or neglect
  • Navigating the child welfare and court systems
  • Supporting children’s mental health and development

Training is often available through:

  • MDHHS and local foster care agencies
  • Grand Rapids-area nonprofits that support caregivers and families
  • Online courses and workshops specific to Michigan kinship and foster care

Courses are typically based on:

  • Principles of therapeutic care
  • Trauma and healing
  • Attachment and connection
  • Supporting children’s cultural identity and community ties

Financial Support for Kinship Caregivers in Michigan

Care Allowances and Benefits

In Michigan, some kinship caregivers may qualify for financial help, especially in formal/statutory kinship care. Depending on the situation, caregivers in Grand Rapids may be able to access:

  • Foster care or kinship care payments when children are placed through MDHHS.
  • Child-only cash assistance through the Family Independence Program (FIP).
  • Food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • Health coverage for the child through Medicaid or MIChild.

These supports can help cover:

  • Food and clothing
  • School supplies and fees
  • Transportation, especially in winter
  • Basic medical and dental needs

Extra Support for Special Needs

Additional financial or service support may be available for:

  • Children with disabilities or chronic medical conditions
  • Children who need behavioral health or mental health services
  • Children requiring specialized therapies (occupational, speech, physical therapy)

Caregivers in Grand Rapids can work with:

  • MDHHS – Kent County
  • Local health systems (Spectrum Health/Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Community mental health providers

to explore eligibility and referrals.

Local Resources for Kinship Care in Grand Rapids

Government and Public Health Resources

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Kent County
    Supports formal kinship care, foster care, and child protective services, and can guide caregivers to financial and medical assistance.

  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers immunizations, child health services, WIC, and family support resources that can be especially important for children in kinship care.

  • Grand Rapids Public Health and Community Programs
    Provide parenting support, early childhood programs, and connections to local services.

Healthcare and Behavioral Health

Kinship caregivers in Grand Rapids may need to coordinate:

  • Well‑child visits and vaccinations
  • Dental and vision care
  • Developmental screenings
  • Behavioral health or counseling services

Local healthcare options include:

  • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health – Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids pediatric and family medicine clinics
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health family practices
  • Mercy Health primary care and specialty clinics

Practical Tips for Kinship Caregivers in Grand Rapids

Because of Michigan’s climate and local context, kinship caregivers should consider:

  • Winter preparedness
    Ensuring children have proper winter clothing (coats, boots, hats, gloves) and safe transportation to school and appointments.

  • School stability
    Working with Grand Rapids Public Schools or local districts to keep children in their home schools when possible, and accessing school social workers or counselors for support.

  • Mental health support
    Many children in kinship care have experienced trauma or loss. Local counseling and community mental health services can help them adjust and heal.

  • Documentation
    Keep copies of:

    • Birth certificates
    • Social Security cards
    • Health insurance cards
    • Court orders or caregiver affidavits (if applicable)
    • School records and immunization records

These documents are often needed for enrolling in school, accessing healthcare, and applying for benefits.

Where to Get Help with Kinship Care in Grand Rapids

If you are a kinship caregiver in Grand Rapids or West Michigan and need guidance, you can:

  • Contact Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Kent County for:

    • Information about formal kinship placements
    • Financial assistance options
    • Case management and support

  • Reach out to the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for:

    • Child and family health services
    • Immunizations and WIC
    • Referrals to parenting and caregiver support programs

  • Talk with local healthcare systems, including:

    • Spectrum Health/Corewell Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
      for pediatric care, behavioral health, and specialty services.

Kinship Care and Community in Grand Rapids

Kinship care works best when caregivers are connected to:

  • Support groups for grandparents and relative caregivers
  • Faith communities and neighborhood organizations
  • Local nonprofits that provide food, clothing, and housing support

In a growing city like Grand Rapids—with its mix of urban neighborhoods, diverse cultures, and changing economic conditions—kinship caregivers play a vital role in keeping children safe, loved, and connected to their community.

If you are caring for a relative’s or friend’s child in Grand Rapids, you are not alone. Local and state resources are available to help you provide stable, nurturing care, even in the face of Michigan’s unique seasonal, economic, and health challenges.