Fostering Forward Michigan, Inc.

The Michigan Kinship Care Coalition (MKCC) is excited to invite you to our upcoming
membership meeting on May 27, 2026 at 3pm.
MKCC has been working diligently to expand our coalition by strengthening relationships with
kinship care stakeholders, uplifting statewide advocacy, and building a community where
kinship voices are heard and protected.

Who are we looking to join? MKCC represents the voices of kinship caregivers, and we want
to hear from anyone who has a stake in kinship care. This includes, but is not limited to:
Kinship Caregivers (past and present)
Individuals who were cared for in a kinship setting
Nonprofit leaders and State workers
Researchers and Policy advocates
Link to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9lZMUAIpSNqY8diHh7gW-A

Advocating for Kinship Care: A Call to Action
Anyone who knows about the work we do understands our unwavering support for Kinship Care—relatives stepping up to raise children, often delaying their own retirement to do so. But now, Michigan is on the brink of a devastating setback.

For the first time in 25 years, Michigan may lose its critical resource for supporting kinship families. The funding for Kinship Navigation Services and related programs has been excluded from the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. This leaves Michigan poised to become the only state in the nation without a dedicated program to support these families. Without these essential resources, 60,000 children—and their families and communities—will lose access to vital services that keep children in the care of relatives, preventing them from entering the foster care system.

Kinship Care isn’t just an option; it’s our first line of defense against the growing need for unrelated foster care. Michigan has been a leader in kinship placement and prevention, and losing momentum now should be a red flag for all of us.

If you'd like to contact your state representative and senator today to demand the inclusion of funding for Kinship Care in the FY26 budget there are links below. These 60,000 children and their families deserve the stability and support that only relatives can provide. But relatives need resources—someone to turn to when they need help, someone who truly understands their challenges.

Kinship Care in Michigan cannot be left behind—especially after the recognition we’ve earned for leading the nation in this area.

"Include funding for MDHHS’ Kinship programs and initiatives in the FY26 budget. 60,000 children deserve it."

Find your representative here: https://www.house.mi.gov/

Find your senator here: https://senate.michigan.gov/

Michigan Senate Home The legislative power of the State of Michigan is vested in a bicameral (2-chamber) body comprised of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Legislative districts are drawn on the basis of population figures obtained through the federal decennial census. - more Senate Information -