UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Those raising children of family members or close friends face unique challenges, according to organizers of Kinship Family Forum, a virtual monthly gathering led by Penn State Extension.
Kinship care is a term used when individuals — such as grandparents, extended family members or close friends — care for children when biological parents are unable to do so.
An upcoming session will offer insight into kinship care through the lived experience of someone raised in a kinship family: Troy Ott, dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
“Kinship Family Forum: The Dean’s Journey,” will occur from noon to 1 p.m. on June 18. The session is open to anyone interested in learning about kinship care or Ott’s personal journey growing up in a kinship family.
Each monthly session of the Kinship Family Forum offers expert-led discussions on topics such as child development, legal rights, navigating the foster care system, mental health and internet safety. Sessions also foster community connection and resource sharing among caregivers.
In the June session, Ott will share his story of growing up in a kinship family and reflect on how those experiences shaped his life. In addition to hearing Ott’s personal perspective, participants will explore the unique dynamics of kinship families and gain insights to empower them in caregiving roles.
Participants can learn:
— Life lessons and perspectives from a firsthand experience of kinship care.
— Similarities and differences of kinship caregiving challenges and ways to foster resilience.
— How to access resources from Penn State Extension’s Relatives as Parents and Penn State Intergenerational Programs.
Penn State Extension offers this webinar at no cost, but registration by 11:45 p.m. June 17 is required to receive the webinar link.
For more details and to sign up, visit the Penn State Extension website.