·State program
Kinship Navigators
Kinship Navigator Services are an information and referral program that supports kinship caregivers who are caring for their minor relative(s) who are unable to safely remain in the care of their parents.
Questions that decide eligibility
GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:
- 01
Does the person receiving care live in Maryland?
Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
- 02
Does your relationship to the person — other relative — count for this program?
- 03
Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?
- 04
Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?
- 05
Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.
Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- 06
What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- 07
Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?
Who qualifies, in the source’s words
Where our record has a direct quote from the official source, here it is — otherwise, this is our best reading of the rule.
Minimum VA disability rating
Minimum VA disability rating: null%.
Work hours
Minimum work hours: null.
Relationship to the person receiving care
“relatives, or family by choice, of a child”
dhs.maryland.gov →
How to apply
- 01
To be connected to any of our Kin Navigators, please visit or call the KinCare Center. The center can be reached by phone at 443-423-5442 or by email: bcdss.kinshipnavigator@maryland.gov.