About Us
History of the Center
In 1999, plans for the center was created as a result of a series of research projects conducted by the late Dr. Robert Little on the policies and programs affecting kinship families in Michigan. In 2002 the Kinship Care Resource Center was physically established to address the needs identified from the results of the research data. Dr. Robert Little was an instructor at the Michigan State University School of Social Work and an expert in kinship care issues. In the 1960's he served as the Director of the Children's Center facility in Washington D.C. and in the 1970's, he was the Deputy Director for the State of Michigan Department of Human Services for Wayne County. Dr. Little was a passionate advocator for family preservation programs and kinship care. The Kinship Care Resource Center is dedicated to his memory.
Center's Services
- A statewide toll free hotline (800-535-1218) to answer general questions about financial resources for kinship care, legal assistance, and other requested needs.
- Referrals for support groups in Michigan counties.
- Referrals for legal assistance through partnerships with Michigan State University Chance at Childhood.
- Resource brochures and booklets.
- Training and workshops for kinship caregivers and agency professionals.
- Consulting services for kinship program development.
- Kinship research.
- A kinship coalition and a kinship legislative task force group.
