Education for Kinship Caregivers

We offer many free classes and workshops designed specially for Kinship Caregivers. Kinship Caregivers are family members who raise a relative’s child; for instance, a grandmother who raises her grandchildren. Our Kinship Caregiver classes can help provide you with the skills and information you need to prepare for the road ahead. Please note that these classes are not for parents raising their own children. These classes do not provide Continuing Education. 

Register for Classes

To register or learn more, please contact our Kinship Navigator at KinshipNavigator@dshs.wa.gov or 360-759-4317.

Class Descriptions

January: Guardianship of a Minor
Overview of the new Guardianship law that went in to effect on January 1, 2021. Includes information on paperwork, process to file, requirements to become a guardian, and the rights that parents and children have under the new law.

February: March: Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Children with Special Needs
Six-week class (one two-hour class per week) providing information on how to take care of yourself while caring for someone else, communicate more effectively, reduce guilt, anger depression, and other difficult emotions, improve self-confidence, set and achieve goals, and make tough decisions and set boundaries.

April: Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA) Services
Information on eligibility and supports and services available from the Development Disabilities Administration.

May: Apple Health & Your Benefits
Presentation from Molina, Amerigroup, and Community Health Plan on the different coverages each plan offers to Apple Health members. Includes information on special benefits that are also available to members.

June: Farmer’s Market Overview
Information on local Farmer’s Markets and the different services they offer, including Market Fresh Tours, SNAP Market Match, Market Box Program, Produce Pals, and Online Ordering/Curbside Pickup.

July: Vancouver Parks & Recreation Overview
Overview of programs and services for families including events for youth and adults, Access to Recreation (ATR) programs, Parks and Recreation website, and other resources and services.

August: ESD 112
Information on service, resources, and supports available to families through ESD 112 including early childhood education and care, early intervention programs, school readiness and family support, childcare, and student services.

September: October: Powerful Tools for Caregivers of Children with Special Needs
Six-week class (one two-hour class per week) providing information on how to take care of yourself while caring for someone else, communicate more effectively, reduce guilt, anger depression, and other difficult emotions, improve self-confidence, set and achieve goals, and make tough decisions and set boundaries.

November: Job Corps & Goodwill
Information on both programs including education and job services and supports, job and skills training, and career preparation.