If you are a grandparent, other relative, or foster parent raising non-biological children, our Kinship Navigator will connect you to the community programs and supports your family needs.

About Kinship Navigation

​Kinship Navigators provide emotional support, education, and guidance to relative caregivers. Assistance includes referrals to other agencies and follow-up services. ​Navigators serve as advocates for both caregivers and children as they "navigate" or find their way through a complicated system of programs and benefits. Participation is free.

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kinship faq

Who is it for?

• Grandparents, other relatives, family friends, and foster families raising children who are not their own when a child's parents are unable to care for them

Why choose Kinship Navigation?

 Benefits to caregivers include:

• Access to resources
• Education and guidance
• Reduced isolation
• Advocacy

Benefits to children:

• More safety and stability
• Stronger connections to family and community

How do you get started?

It's easier to get started than you may think! Just reach out to us at The River Center to learn more or to speak with our Kinship Navigator by using the form below or calling (603) 924-6800 ext 10.

How will we work with you?

• At the first meeting, the Navigator will ask you about family history.
• From there we make an individualized plan for how our Navigator can help your family.
• Our Kinship Navigator will work with your family for as long as you need while helping you advocate for yourself and the children you care for.

Our commitment

Our Kinship Navigator is here to support you, not judge. ​ Sometimes that means pointing out areas where a little extra help could make things easier, but the focus is always on encouragement, your strengths, and what matters most to your family.

Kinship Community-Building

Our Kinship Navigator loves to get the families in the Kinship Navigation together and host events throughout the year. Currently these include:

• Kinship Family Fishing Day (typically in June)
• Back to School Supply Fair (in August)
• Kinship Holiday Party (end of November, early December)

Our Kinship Navigator is certified in PASTA (Parenting a Second Time Around) group facilitation and can offer these programs periodically.

Upcoming Events

When Kinship events are scheduled, you will see them listed here.

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Contact form submissions are responded to on M-Th. If you have a more urgent request, please call us at (603) 924-6800 or email [email protected] directly. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

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