Congress Backs September 2025 as 'National Kinship Care Month' to Support Relatives Raising Kids

This resolution is all about making sure the people who step up to raise a relative’s child get the recognition they deserve. It officially expresses strong support for designating September 2025 as "National Kinship Care Month." Think of it as Congress giving a massive, official nod to the grandparents, siblings, stepparents, godparents, and even close family friends (often called "fictive kin") who are currently raising kids.

The Kinship Safety Net

If you're wondering why this matters, it’s because kinship care is the silent backbone of the child welfare system. Over 2.5 million kids are being raised by relatives right now. These caregivers often step in when parents are dealing with deployment, disability, or substance abuse issues. The resolution points out that by doing this, they keep kids out of the formal foster care system, saving taxpayers over $4 billion annually. For the kids, staying with family generally means better mental health outcomes and maintaining community ties, which is a huge deal for stability.

More Than Just a Thank You Card

While this resolution is symbolic—it doesn't create new laws or funding—it’s designed to encourage action. It highlights the major challenge: kinship families often lack the same support and resources given to non-relative foster families. The resolution specifically pushes lawmakers to pass new legislation that improves life for these families, especially by supporting programs like Kinship Navigators. These navigator programs are essentially guides that help caregivers—who are already juggling work and unexpected parenting duties—figure out how to access financial aid, medical services, and schooling support.

What This Means for Everyday Folks

For the millions of kinship caregivers out there, this resolution is a public statement of validation. It acknowledges the commitment of people who often sacrifice their retirement savings or career stability to ensure a child has a safe, permanent home. For everyone else, it’s a clear signal that Congress is focusing on ways to support the family units that are already doing the heavy lifting in child welfare. By encouraging support for Kinship Navigator programs, the resolution nudges federal and state governments toward investing in services that prevent family separation and help keep kids with the people who love them most.