September 16^th to 20^th is Kinship & Alternate Care Awareness Week.  During this week, child welfare agencies celebrate Kin and alternate caregivers who provide essential support to children, youth, and families.  They deserve to be recognized and thanked for the important role they plan in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of children and youth, as well as their families and communities.  The involvement of kin, early and throughout child welfare planning, prevents placement disruptions and increases positive outcomes for children, youth, and families.  Kinship and alternate caregivers help to ensure children and youth remain connected to their families and communities, so they experience a strong sense of identity, culture, and belonging.

For more information on what it means to be a kin caregiver, please contact Lorraine Quinn, Kinship Supervisor at (613) 962-9291, Extension 2372 or lorraine.quinn@highlandshorescas.com