Programs
Kinship Foster Care
Kinship care is the full time care of children by relatives, family friends, or any adult who has a strong bond with the child.
Every year in Maricopa County, thousands of grandparents, aunts and uncles, older siblings, and family friends assume the role of parent for children whose birth parents are unable to care for them. For these children, the opportunity to stay with a loving adult they already know and trust provides much needed stability and comfort during very difficult times.
You stepped forward to help them, now let us help you...
Although the job of raising a child is a labor of love, it is still hard work. As a kinship family, you not only face all of the challenges of other families but you face the additional challenges of helping the child overcome grief and loss, working with multiple parties (Child Protective Services, behavioral health, etc) and adjusting your life plan to include the sudden introduction of a child.
We understand these challenges you have undertaken and the sacrifices you are making and we are here to help. Our goal is to ensure that you are successful. By working with AASK, your family will have access to family support and resources you may not be aware of or have had problems accessing.
Your AASK family specialist will work to help you qualify for a monthly care reimbursement from the State, as well as understand your needs and ensure others are aware of your strengths and successes. We will help you make sense of the courts, behavioral health and school systems, and accompany you to these meetings as needed.
By becoming a licensed kinship family through AASK, you will have access to financial support, education classes, support services, as well as on-going advocacy and information from your AASK family specialist to help you and the child in your care start a new, wonderful life.
Why does AASK believe in Kinship Care?
When a child can no longer live with their mother or father, another caring adult they already know and trust provides them with a greater sense of stability.
Children in kinship care face less challenges and fewer behavioral issues than children placed with non-relatives. Kinship care is often the best type of placement for these children.
How can our family become a licensed Kinship family?
Although kinship families must undergo many of the same requirements as unrelated foster and adoptive families, AASK has tailored it's Licensed Kinship Care program to meet the unique needs of kinship families. Whenever possible, the AASK program is built around your needs. Your family specialist will guide you through each step of the process, working around you and your family's busy schedule.
Beginning the program is as simple as calling (602) 930-4900.
Requirements:
In Arizona, kinship foster parents must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be physically, mentally, and emotionally able to care for children.
- Have all adult household members fingerprinted and have their criminal background checked.
- Have access to transportation.
- Have all household members participate in our home study process.
- Have all household members be legal U.S. residents.
Why is AASK's Kinship program right for you?
AASK's Kinship program was created by us to specifically help family members and caring adults who have taken these children into their homes, and provided them with a safe, stable, and loving environment. Our program is tailored to the unique needs of kinship families. Our program:
- Is available in both Spanish or English.
- Offers training in 3 convenient locations throughout Maricopa County.
- Is the largest licensed kinship program in the State.
- Offers free childcare during training.
Specialized Foster Care (for medically fragile infants)
- For children ages 0-5 with greater medical needs
- Children need round-the-clock care
- Provides regular developmental assessments by registered nurses
- Requires at least one at-home parent.
Meet the O'Brien Family...
DDD Foster Care
- For children with developmental disabilities, including Mental Retardation,Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, or At Risk of Developmental Delays.
- Children may have additional special needs, including abuse, neglect, drug exposure or abandonment.
- Children are of all ages and ethnic backgrounds
Sibling and Single Child Foster Care
- Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment
- Children are of all ages and ethnic backgrounds
- Brothers and sisters may wish to stay together
- Foster Parent(s) can work or stay at home
