Family Support and Preservation
We are committed to strengthening families and preserving the family unit.
Our Family Support and Preservation department includes services for kinship caregivers, children in foster care and families involved in the Child Welfare System.
We collaborate with San Diego County Child Welfare Services and other community organizations to make sure we are meeting the needs of our families.
Kinship Support Services
The YMCA Kinship Program provides support services to relative caregivers, “Kinship Caregivers”, who are raising a child of a family member. For most relatives, suddenly becoming a caregiver can be an overwhelming responsibility. The YMCA Kinship support strengthens family systems by offering countywide services to help caregivers preserve the family unit, and avoid the entry or re-entry of children into the foster care system.
Families United
YMCA Families United is a three year federally funded demonstration project in partnership with San Diego County Child Welfare Services to offer and provide a model of service called Family Group Conferencing (FGC) throughout San Diego County. This program facilitates Family Group Conference meetings to allow families develop their own plan for the stability, safety and well-being of the child.
Permanent Connections
The Permanent Connections Program helps families establish a lifetime network of support for children and youth who are disconnected from their loved ones or at risk of disconnection through placement outside of their home and community. We use the Family Finding Model to identify potential connections, coordinate family-driven meetings and help develop meaningful relationships.