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When a relative steps in to raise a child - such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling - this is known as kinship care.
While it can be an act of love and safety, it often comes with little preparation and many challenges.
The YMCA of San Diego County understands this, and through its Kinship Support Services, is dedicated to helping kinship caregivers with the resources, support, and relief they need to preserve family stability and child well-being.
The following information comes from YMCA of San Diego County.
What the YMCA Offers
YMCA’s Kinship Support Services are built around three core components:
Navigation & Case management
Support Groups
Respite Care
Each service addresses different needs of caregivers, from logistical support to emotional relief.
Service | What It Includes | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
Navigation & Case Management |
| Helps caregivers understand what’s available, reduces confusion, builds long-term security for the child and caregiver. |
Support Groups |
| Provides emotional morale boost, peer learning, reduces isolation, makes daily life more manageable. |
Respite Care |
| Crucial rest for caregivers, safe enrichment for children, prevents burnout. |
Why This Matters for Health & Well-Being
Stress & Caregiver Health: Kinship caregivers often carry tremendous stress-emotionally, physically, and financially. Access to reliable support and relief (like respite) can help reduce burnout, caregiver depression, and health problems associated with chronic stress.
Stable Homes = Better Outcomes for Children: When caregivers are supported, children are more likely to remain in stable family settings rather than enter foster care. Stability supports better schooling, mental health, and social development. YMCA's services focus on preserving the family unit, which is beneficial both immediately and long term.
Community & Emotional Connection: Support groups allow caregivers to connect with others in similar situations, reducing feelings of isolation and strengthening social support networks.
Who Qualifies & How to Access Help
Who: Relatives raising a child who is not their own by birth or adoption—e.g., grandparents, aunts/uncles, older siblings. YMCA’s respite specifically targets caregivers 55 years or older for the short‐term breaks
How to Apply:
For general services: Contact YMCA’s Kinship Support (phone: 877-YMCA-4-KIN / 877-9622-4-546) or via email kinshipyfs@ymcasd.org.
For respite care: Download the forms (English or Spanish), complete, and return them to the YMCA office at 4451 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116, Attn: Kinship. Because demand is high, submit forms at least three months before the respite period you hope to use.
Tips for Kinship Caregivers to Boost Health & Resilience
Build a network - whether through YMCA support groups, local community centers, or faith groups. Having people to turn to matters.
Set realistic rest & self-care routines - even short breaks count. Using the respite services can help tremendously.
Stay informed - policies (school district, social services) may impact benefits, eligibility, and rights. Case management helps, but staying proactive helps avoid surprises.
Talk about feelings - caregiving can stir up grief, guilt, anxiety. Peer sharing (in groups) or counseling may help.
Kinship care is foundational for many children’s safety and sense of belonging. But it’s also a demanding role. YMCA San Diego’s Kinship Support Services provide a lifeline through guidance, emotional connection, and breaks when caregivers need them.
If you or someone you know is stepping into kinship caregiving, know that asking for help isn’t a weakness - it’s part of sustaining health - for both children and caregivers.
📚 References
This content was adapted from YMCA of San Diego County Kinship Support Services.
Reviewed by ME, Behavioral Health Committee, JW MD Patient Education Committee.