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How do I contact the Kinship Navigator Program?

To find out more about Kinship Navigator services, call 2-1-1 toll free. You will talk to a 2-1-1 staff person who will help you if you have an immediate need and will then refer you to your local Kinship agency.

 

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I am already receiving Kinship services and need the phone number of my local agency. Can you help?

Kinship Agencies 

  • CarePlus, NJ 
    • (201) 797-2660 or (201) 398-9110, serving Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren Counties
  • The Salvation Army
    • (973) 623-8471 or 973 623-8472, serving Essex County
  • Children’s Home Society
    • (609) 695-6274, serving Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Union Counties.
  • Center for Family Services
    • 1-877-569-0350, serving Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem Counties

 

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How long will it take to apply?

The application takes about 20 minutes over the phone.  After you complete the application, the kinship agency will contact you to set up a home visit.  Every year you’ll need to call your kinship agency to reapply.

 

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What types of services can we receive?

Services available through the Kinship Navigator Program include (but are not limited to) help with the following:

  • Payment for clothing for the child
  • Referrals to grandparenting and family support groups
  • Getting medical coverage and services
  • Housing
  • Payment for furniture (for example, a bed, dresser, book shelves)
  • Payment for tutoring services and extra curricular activities for the child
  • Payment for summer camp for the child
  • Payment for graduation expenses for the child

 

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For how long am I eligible for kinship services?

As long as the child(ren) remain in your care and is/are under age 18, or 21 and disabled.

 

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Does the child have to live with me?

Yes, the child must be living with you.

 

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Must I be related to the child?

No. You may be a neighbor or someone with a close emotional relationship to the child. However, you must be able to prove you are the primary caregiver of the child.

 

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What is Kinship Legal Guardianship?

It is a legal status that gives the caregiver the authority to make decisions concerning the child's welfare.

 

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Can I get any other benefits from Legal Guardianship?

Yes, you may be eligible for a subsidy. Call your Kinship Agency for more information and other community services.

 

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