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Kinship Navigator Guide: Free Help for Kinship Caregivers in All 50 States

October 22, 2026

Most states now have a kinship navigator program: a free service that helps grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relative caregivers find financial aid, legal help, health coverage, support groups, and basic supplies. Some are run by the state; others by universities or trusted nonprofits. In states without a dedicated program, we’ve listed the best place to start.

This guide is organized into four regions. Scroll to your region and find your state in the table for the program’s phone number, website, and what to know before you call.

Before you call, a few things to know:

• Eligibility varies. Some programs serve any relative caregiver. Others mainly serve families with an open child welfare (foster care) case. Ask about eligibility on your first call.
• 2-1-1 is a good backup everywhere. If your state’s program can’t help, dial 2-1-1 and say you’re a kinship caregiver raising a relative’s child.
• Numbers change. This directory was last verified on October 21, 2026. If a number doesn’t work, try 2-1-1 or the program’s website.

1. Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

State	Program	How to Reach Them	Good to Know
Connecticut	ConnectiKIN (C-KIN) at Wheeler	860-793-7255	Serves central Connecticut towns. Elsewhere, dial 2-1-1.
Delaware	Delaware Kinship Navigator Program	Dial 2-1-1	Run through Delaware Health and Social Services.
Maine	The Kinship Program, Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine	1-800-833-9786	Support groups, listening support, legal and resource guides.
Maryland	Maryland Kinship Navigator Program	Dial 2-1-1 or 833-373-5867	For caregivers whose children are not in foster care.
Massachusetts	Massachusetts Kinship Navigator	1-844-924-4546 (4KIN)	Serves formal and informal caregivers statewide.
New Hampshire	NH Kinship Navigation Program	kinship@dhhs.nh.gov	Delivered through local Family Resource Centers.
New Jersey	NJ Kinship Navigator Program	Dial 2-1-1	2-1-1 refers you to one of four regional kinship agencies.
New York	NYS Kinship Navigator	877-454-6463	Legal fact sheets, benefit guides, county-by-county resources.
Pennsylvania	KinConnector	1-866-546-2111 (1-866-KIN-2111)	English and Spanish helpline.
Rhode Island	Kinship CARES (Family Service of RI)	Dial 2-1-1	Also see RI Kinship Community Connections for caregivers 55+.
Vermont	Vermont Kin As Parents Warmline	802-871-5104	Emotional support and practical guidance, statewide.

2. Southern Region

3. Midwest Region

4. Western & Pacific Region

What to Ask When You Call

To get the most out of your first call, keep these questions handy:

• Eligibility: Can your program serve me, even if my family isn’t involved with child protective services?
• Financial aid: What immediate or emergency funds can I apply for, such as a TANF child-only grant or a relative caregiver payment?
• Legal clarity: Can you connect me with free legal help or a court self-help center for guardianship or custody?
• Health coverage: How do I apply for Medicaid or CHIP for the child in my care?
• Supplies: Are there diaper banks, clothing closets, or food programs near me?
• Peer support: Is there a kinship support group meeting near me or online this week?

We Are Here to Walk Alongside You

At A Second Chance, Inc. (ASCI), we believe kinship caregivers are the backbone of strong families. You don’t have to navigate these systems alone. Whether you need help finding local resources, understanding legal steps, or simply want a listening ear from someone who understands, we are here to support you.

Looking for more tools and guides? Explore our full Kinship Care Resource Library for articles on preventing burnout, legal options, and supporting the young one in your care.