Training, Coaching, & Beyond: Building a Foundation to Support Kinship Services

As part of our commitment to advancing best practices in Kinship Care, FFTA created this guide, developed through our ongoing work in the Kinship Therapeutic Foster Care (KTFC) pilot project in North Carolina. This resource offers a comprehensive look at the foundational practices that can help organizations support kinship caregivers. This work is made possible through generous funding from The Duke Endowment, whose support allows us to continue innovating and refining services for kinship families. The guide highlights key areas of training, coaching, and cultural transformation needed to effectively engage and support kinship families. We share insights on overcoming bias, developing kinship-specific training for staff and caregivers, and the importance of continuous coaching and consultation. By applying these best practices, organizations can foster a kin-first culture, which is crucial for ensuring that youth in out-of home care are placed in nurturing, family-like environments. Whether you are looking to enhance your existing kinship program or start a new one, this guide is a valuable tool. It offers actionable strategies and lessons learned from the KTFC pilot that can be applied across different settings