The Kinship Care program provides community based support services to relative caregivers so that children can remain with their extended families and avoid placement in the foster care system.

Kinship services are free and available countywide, through centers in Pittsburg, Concord, and Richmond. Services include respite care, therapeutic support groups, educational forums, tutoring for children, case management, recreational activities for caregivers and youth, limited emergency assistance, and legal services.

More than 500 families participate in the Contra Costa County Kinship Care program each year. These families consist of relative caregivers who provide full time care for children in the County. Children do not have to be in the Children & Family Services Department for families to get services. All services are provided by community based nonprofit organizations.

For more information about accessing services call

Antoinette Harris at FamiliesFirst, (510) 741-3100; for information about program development email Rhonda Smith at the Employment & Human Services Department at smithr@ehsd.cccounty.us, phone number (925) 313-1696.

Typical Family Profile

"When I first showed up for a support group I really didn't think I wanted to be involved. There was a little box of tissues and a circle of about 15 chairs and I thought to myself, 'the last thing I need is a cold from these grandparents.' Ten minutes later I was crying like a child and wishing that little box of tissues was bigger; I haven't missed a support group session since," said Wanda Johnson to a crowd of legislators and county staff at a recent kinship care event.

Ms. Johnson, a 57 year old grandmother provides a home, hot meals, and a lot of love to her three grandchildren, but she often feels overburdened and alone. A friend got her involved with the Contra Costa County Kinship Care program and she is now a regular participant. Her kids get tutoring and a snack at the kinship center two days a week while she enjoys the support and camaraderie of the many other relative caregivers.

"I really enjoy coming to the kinship center and having a hot chocolate and talking with other grandmothers in my position," Ms. Johnson declared. There are three kinship center's in Contra Costa County and any relative caregiver is eligible to participate in the program.