Online resources helps relative caregivers of children find support

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) has launched a new online resource to give support information to relative and fictive kin caregivers.

The new Kinship Navigator Section on the KY FACES website (Kentucky Foster Adoptive Caregiver Exchange System) provides information and quick links to supportive services for relative and fictive kin caregivers raising children. The new web portal is at this link: https://prdweb.chfs.ky.gov/kyfaces/.

DCBS, part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, is the state’s primary social services agency that provides child and adult protective services and family support services. DCBS has offices in all 120 counties.

DCBS Commissioner Eric Clark said the new resource is one part of the department’s child welfare transformation efforts.

Services on the KY FACES site are listed in the kinship navigator section with links to the individual programs.

Information about support services includes assistance providing for a child’s medical or mental health care needs, child care assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food benefits), Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (cash assistance), Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP), information about becoming an approved foster home, and other helpful services.

DCBS is committed to continuing to support children’s placements with relative and fictive kin caregivers. The website will efficiently link families with information about resources. Caregivers will also have access to FAQ (frequently asked questions), videos and testimonials from other Kentucky caregivers.

DCBS also provides a Kinship Support Hotline that provides kinship relatives the chance to address program issues, talk about problems or ask questions. Local office staff will answer hotline calls. The Kinship Support Hotline is 877-565-5608 and is staffed 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Caregiving relatives and fictive kin can also email relative.supports@ky.gov for information, resources or support for their families. To learn more about DCBS and its programs, go to the CHFS homepage: https://chfs.ky.gov and type “DCBS” in the “What can we help you find?” search bar.