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Kinship Navigator Program

The Illinois Kinship Navigator Program provides support and resources to relative caregivers caring for children.

Eligibility

  • Must live with care recipient
  • Relationship: grandparent, other relative, non relative

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • Does the person receiving care live in Illinois? — Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
  • Does your relationship to the person — grandparent, other relative, or non relative — count for this program?
  • Do you need to live with the person receiving care, and how is that verified?
  • 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.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

What this record does not yet say

  • a direct application link

How to apply

  • Call the DCFS Hotline at 1-800-252-2873 and ask to be referred to the Extended Family Support Program