The NYS Kinship Navigator is an information, referral and advocacy program for kinship caregivers in New York State. A kinship caregiver is an individual that is caring for a child that is not biologically their own. In New York State, there are an estimated 179,000 caregivers, 131,000 of whom are grandparents raising grandchildren. Many others are aunts and uncles.

The Navigator seeks to assist these caregivers by providing information on financial assistance, legal information and referrals, and other types of issues that caregivers face when raising children in order to provide stability and permanency in the home. 

View the NYS County Kinship Care Resource Map

Youth living in foster care have their cases heard in Family Court, a court which deals with issues of families, children, and youth. You, like many others, may have questions about Family Court, what to expect there, how to present yourself effectively and what the terms used there mean. This pamphlet was designed to help you understand Family Court. After you’ve read this pamphlet, you can talk to your caseworker or attorney regarding any questions you may have.

Your Rights, Your Life is a resource for youth in foster care, ages 12 and older, including youth in group care facilities. The information in this manual is specifically written for youth ages 12 and older. Certain laws or policies may have different age applications and are specified within the manual as needed.