As a kinship caregiver, you must provide care that respects and supports the race, ethnicity, religion, and culture of the child or youth in your care.

This includes:

• Providing books, media, and toys that reflect their background.
• Including language, food, and traditions from their culture in everyday life.
• Giving them opportunities to participate in spiritual, religious, or tribal activities. This includes bringing the child or youth to these activities, and observing cultural holidays.
• Sharing support resources that the child or youth can explore on their own.

Consider learning about how to support the child or youth’s racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural identities. For example, you can:

• Read, watch, or listen to materials on how to support children or youth’s identities.
• Go to trainings, workshops, or classes about how to support children or youth’s identities.
• Meet other caregivers or families who care for children or youth of different racial or ethnic identities.