Kinship Navigator Program

Supporting Relative Caregivers Every Step of the Way

When a child is placed in the care of a relative, the transition can bring both opportunities and challenges. Mission West Virginia’s Kinship Navigator Program is designed to help relative caregivers navigate the early stages of placement by providing guidance, support, and connections to valuable resources.

Our Kinship Navigators work directly with families during the first 90 days of placement to help ensure they have the information and assistance needed to create a safe, stable, and supportive environment for the child in their care.

How Kinship Navigators Help

Kinship Navigators provide personalized support to relative caregivers by:

Conducting needs assessments to identify areas where assistance may be needed
Connecting families with community resources and support services
Explaining the Child Protective Services (CPS), court, and home study processes
Assisting with communication and coordination when additional support is needed
Helping families obtain resources and supplies for their homes
Providing guidance and encouragement throughout the transition period

Why This Support Matters

Caring for a relative’s child often comes with unique responsibilities and unexpected challenges. Kinship Navigators help families better understand the systems involved while connecting them to resources that can strengthen their ability to provide a safe and nurturing home.

By offering practical assistance and ongoing support, the program helps caregivers focus on what matters most—caring for the child and building family stability.