Over 18,000 Idaho children live in households headed by grandparents or other relatives. This arrangement is known as KinCare. KinCare is defined as, children in the care of a relative or other meaningful adult.

 In 2006, Idaho had nearly 10,000 households in which grandparents were raising their grandchildren, an increase of 20.7% since 2000. This compares to an increase of 1.2% for the nation over the same time period.

 The two most common reasons for relatives to assume care giving responsibilities are substance abuse and incarceration. Other reasons for biological parents’ inability to care for their children include, but are not limited to:

ü      Teen pregnancy

ü      Physical or mental illness

ü      Abuse or neglect

ü      Death   

ü      Deployment

 Idaho KinCare providers need support and assistance from their communities. Many live on fixed incomes and struggle to meet the needs of the children they have opened their hearts and home to.

 To help them, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has joined forces with AmeriCorps*VISTA and many local organizations to generate awareness of the KinCare providers and children living with them. The mission of this project, also know as the Idaho Kinship Project is to enhance the lives of KinCare families in Idaho by creating a safety net of resources and support.

 To date (June 2010) VISTAs in the Pocatello area have identified and created a guide of resources for KinCare families. Resources listings include assistance with food, medical, dental needs, legal needs and more.

 VISTAs have also established local support groups for KinCare and Foster Families. Meeting dates and locations are as follows:

 Pocatello, ID

KinCare/Foster Parent Support Group

Date: Meet on the first Thursday of each month

Location: Bannock Youth Foundation, Family Resource Center located at 403 N. Hayes

Time: 5:30 pm

Contact: Amy Snelders, 208-234-2244 or

Sister Anthony Marie Greving, 208-233-4032 ext. 18

Blackfoot, ID

KinCare Support Group

Date: Meet on the second Monday of each month

Location: Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1110 Parkway Drive

Time: 5:30 pm

Contact: Debbie Lewis, 208-282-2819 or

Jennifer Call, 208-528-5923

Fort Hall, ID

KinCare Eat and Educate Sessions

Date: Meet on the second Tuesday of each month

Location: Elderly Nutrition Dining Area, HRDC

Time: 5:30 pm

Contact: Jami Stevenson 208-478-3858or

Sarah Boyd 208-478-3949

Please feel free to call the 2-1-1 Idaho Careline by dialing “2-1-1” or a local representative with questions concerning KinCare issues. They can serve as a referral to other organizations that can help deal with personal and family needs.