Kith and Kin (Informal Kinship Care)

Kith and kin refers to informal kinship care, where family members or close friends temporarily care for a child when their parents are unable to do so, often due to reasons like illness, hardship, or other unforeseen circumstances. This arrangement relies on trusted relationships rather than formal foster systems, allowing children to stay within their familiar environment and maintain family connections. While typically less regulated than formal foster care, kith and kin caregiving provides a supportive alternative that emphasizes the child's stability and emotional well-being within a family setting.