Kentucky has one of the highest rates in the nation of children being raised by grandparents and other relatives, also known as kinship care. Research tells us that this is the best option for children who cannot stay safely with their parents. Yet kinship care poses unique financial, emotional, and legal challenges.

This Friday, KET’s Renee Shaw will explore the challenges facing kinship caregivers in Kentucky as part of her Connections series. She tells the story of Jeanne Miller-Jacobs, who juggles running an in-home business with caring for her three young grandchildren. Renee also interviews Kentucky Youth Advocates executive director Terry Brooks about public policy choices state leaders can make to better support kinship families, reunify children with their parents, and keep children out of foster care.

Connections with Renee Shaw: Kinship Care airs this Friday, August 28th, at 5 pm ET on KET2 and Sunday, August 30th, at 1:30 pm ET on KET (main channel). It will repeat several times the following week and will be available to watch online. You can also preview Renee’s interviews with Jeanne Miller-Jacobs and Terry Brooks below.

Are you interested in joining advocacy efforts to increase supports for kinship families? Visit the Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky website at www.kinshipky.org to find resources and learn more about ways to get involved.