Please Note: We are a nonprofit, charitable legal services organization. We are not affiliated with the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) or CFSA's Kinship Navigator.

Supporting kin and the
children they raise

DC KinCare Alliance Free Legal Helpline

Supporting Relative Caregivers

DC KinCare Alliance seeks to achieve a future where all DC children live in safe and stable homes.

We work to support caregivers (usually grandparents and other relatives) who raise DC’s most vulnerable and at-risk children when their parents are not able to care for them.

Parents may have died, be incarcerated or homeless, have a substance use or mental health disorder, abuse or neglect their children, have been detained or deported, or are sick from COVID-19.

We respect and empower relatives to care for at-risk DC children by providing:

  • Legal representation
  • Information and education
  • Advocacy
IMPORTANT!
You can now apply for a caregiver subsidy!

Meet Brenda and Her 8-Month-Old Granddaughter Kayla

Brenda began caring for her grandbaby Kayla when Kayla’s mother was hospitalized from a drug overdose. Kayla’s father is incarcerated for trying to kill Kayla’s mother. Brenda struggled to feed, clothe, and get diapers for Kayla. Even worse, once COVID hit, Brenda lost her minimum wage job and got behind paying her utilities and rent. She was terrified she would become homeless.

Recent News

May 7, 2025

Washington Informer Article Highlights DC KinCare Clients: Beyond Biology: Celebrating Mothers Who Rebuild Families from Loss and Tragedy

“Motherhood does not always arrive wrapped in a birth certificate or within the walls of a maternity ward. Sometimes, it shows up with a phone call in the middle of the night, through a tragic loss, or a moment of decision when a child is in need.”

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May 2, 2025

Foster and Adoptive Parent Advocacy Center Names DC KinCare Alliance its 2025 Advocate of the Year

This recognition, presented during the FAPAC Annual Gala on May 2, celebrates our ongoing commitment to uplifting kinship families and ensuring they have the resources and support they deserve.

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April 23, 2025

Executive Director Marla Spindel Quoted in Street Sense Media Article on CFSA’s Social Worker Shortage

“[CFSA] basically say[s], hey, it’s not our fault. There’s a social worker shortage in the whole United States. Every agency has this problem . . . .But maybe there are some jurisdictions that are doing better with that, and if so, why? Like, is it because they’re giving them more incentives? Is it a better […]

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We believe in relative caregivers who step up to raise DC’s at-risk children.

Your gift today can directly and positively impact their lives.

Any amount is gratefully accepted and will be applied directly to help those most in need.