At the Family Enrichment Center, we believe that families come in many forms—and sometimes, the strongest families are the ones that step in when others cannot. The Kinship Care Program supports relatives and close family friends (often referred to as fictive kin) who have taken on the responsibility of raising children whose parents are unable to do so due to circumstances such as abuse, neglect, incarceration, death, or other challenges.
Kinship care allows children to remain in familiar environments, maintain meaningful family relationships, and avoid the trauma often associated with being placed in traditional foster care. Whether arranged formally through the child welfare system or informally between family members, kinship caregivers take on a vital role—often with limited resources or support.
The Family Enrichment Center recognizes the unique strengths and needs of these caregivers. Through compassionate services, legal advocacy, case management, and community referrals, we work to create a strong foundation of support around every kinship family.
Why Kinship Care Matters
Every day, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, and extended family members step up to care for children during times of family crisis. In most of these homes, birth parents do not reside with the children. These caregivers often take on this responsibility out of love and necessity, not legal obligation—yet they face many of the same challenges as foster parents, often with fewer resources.
Families may need kinship care due to:
- Parental substance abuse
- Incarceration or mental illness
- Death of a parent
- Domestic violence
- Abandonment or neglect
- Teenage pregnancy or lack of parental readiness
- Economic hardship
Though most kinship families operate outside of the child welfare system, their needs are just as urgent. These caregivers are the “silent saviors” who provide safety, stability, and love when it’s needed most.
What We Offer
The Kinship Care Program at the Family Enrichment Center provides:
- Intensive case management
- Legal advocacy and support
- Family counseling and training
- Support groups for kinship caregivers
- Respite care opportunities
- Limited financial assistance
- Assistance with school and medical advocacy
- Referrals to community-based services
- Empowerment and permanency planning
- Support navigating formal and informal custody options
All services are designed to promote stability and preserve the integrity of family systems in a safe and supportive environment.
Who We Serve
We serve Hillsborough County families, with a particular focus on those caring for children outside of formal foster care placements. While some families are referred through investigations of abuse or neglect, many more are informal arrangements between relatives who simply chose to do what was right.
Our program is open to:
- Grandparents raising grandchildren
- Aunts, uncles, and cousins
- Older siblings or extended relatives
- Fictive kin—close friends of the family with strong relationships to the child
Whether you have legal custody or are navigating the process, our team is here to support you.
Support Without Judgment
You don’t need to be part of the formal child welfare system to receive help. Our team meets caregivers where they are—emotionally, legally, and practically—and provides support without judgment.
If you are unsure where to begin or need help with paperwork, benefits, advocacy, or finding the right resources, we are here to walk with you every step of the way.
Get Involved or Support a Kinship Family
There are many ways individuals and organizations can support kinship caregivers in our community. You can:
- Volunteer your time or professional services
- Offer transportation or help with errands
- Provide gift cards, meals, or family activity passes
- Sponsor children’s school supplies or beds
- Simply tell a caregiver you appreciate them
Every small gesture helps lift the load.
Contact Us
To learn more about our Kinship Care Program or to request services, please contact:
Robert Davis
Operations Director – Kinship Services
📞 (813) 237-2530 ext. 10
📧 [email protected]
Funding Support
The Kinship Program at FEC is funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County (CBHC).
http://www.childrensboard.org
