Summers encourages tweaks to kinship care, more support for guardians

INDIANAPOLIS – Yesterday, June 18, the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana (CISC) convened to discuss issues relevant to the health and safety of Hoosier children.

During the meeting, State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis) expressed a need for further discussion on kinship care and the difficulties experienced guardians. In response, the committee agreed to include kinship care in the next CISC agenda and provide further data.

Data shows that the number of children in foster care has dropped by 50% since 2018. By contrast, the number of parents caring for their grandchildren has risen. An estimated 59,000 Hoosier children live in kinship care, with grandparents being the most common relative. Additionally, around 31% of foster children live with kin compared to the national average of 27%.

“There are countless reasons as to why a grandparent or other relative may need to step into the role of a guardian,” Summers said. “It is our duty to ensure that the individuals taking on this immense responsibility are given the support they need. Our current system needs to provide for these families adequately, but in its current state, it is riddled with overly complicated, confusing requirements for relatives to obtain custody.

“I am pleased that members CISC have acknowledged the importance of diving deeper into this issue. We owe it to these guardians to create a better, more supportive system for kinship care.”