When you first said yes to stepping in as a kinship caregiver, you may have imagined a temporary detour—something you could manage for a few months while life stabilized for the child you love. But sometimes, that "short-term" commitment quietly stretches into something more permanent, reshaping your future in ways you didn’t anticipate. Whether you’re months or years into this journey, perseverance becomes both an act of love and an ongoing practice.

Identity formation is influenced by social and cultural experiences during childhood and adolescence and is crucial for a person’s well-being, self-esteem, and ability to successfully navigate social interactions. During our March kinship dinner, we took time to discuss how to support the identity formation process for the kids in our care.