AJE is happy to share information about organizations who may be able to support the families we work with – the DC KinCare Alliance is one such organization.

DC KinCare Alliance seeks to support caregivers who raise DC’s most vulnerable and at-risk children (usually grandparents or other relatives) whose parents are not able to care for them.  Parents may be incarcerated, homeless, have a substance use or mental health problem, abuse or neglect their children, or have been detained or deported.  Their website has many great resources, including this RESOURCE GUIDE FOR RELATIVES RAISING D.C. CHILDREN: Helping You Find the Best Path Forward.  

The DC KinCare Alliance website hosts many forms that are helpful for caregivers, including this Custodial Power of Attorney form.  This form allows parents to share physical and legal custody of a child with a trusted friend or relative. No court involvement necessary and it can be revoked at any time.

They also have a Standby Guardianship- Designation form –  This form allows parents to designate a trusted friend or relative to care for their child if they are unable to do so due to death or incapacity from a chronic illness or COVID-19, or adverse immigration action (e.g., deportation). No court involvement necessary until after the parent can no longer care for the child.

Finally, they have a hotline (202-505-5803) if you can not get your questions answered by the resources on their website or if you need additional help.