Foster Care System in the U.S.
Challenges of foster youth
Limited networks of support Hispanic Community in NYC
Heightened risk of family separation
Kinship
A mechanism to protect the youth of mixed-status Hispanic families in NYC from entering the foster care system.
Mixed-status Hispanic families in risk of separation Kinship
Most efforts are made to support families in reaction to crisis.
Few of them focus on prevention.
What are the barriers AND ENABLERS OF KINSHIP pLANNING?
Hispanic CBO
Legal advocates/ practitioners Lived Experience
Child Welfare Advocates Kinship Advocacy
Stakeholder Groups
Faithbased orgs Immigration rights expert
Child Welfare Workers
In a mountain of challenges, prevention comes last Language and legal barriers makes navigation complex Complex family structures makes informed decision-making difficult
Organized information about the kids empowers caregivers
It is a deep socio-emotional process
Make the Need Visible
Make an Informed Choice
Secure Legal Protection Network & Info Hub
Build the Child’s Repository During Emergency After Emergency Pre Emergency
Child as the Access Key Kinship Caregiver Support Navigation
Make the Need Visible
Make an Informed Choice
Secure Legal Protection Network & Info Hub
Build the Child’s Repository
Child as the Access Key Kinship Caregiver Support Navigation
Pre Emergency During Emergency After Emergency
A service that helps Hispanic families in NYC proactively plan kinship arrangements—guiding conversations with their children and potential kin, and organizing key information before a crisis occurs.
insights
trust, time & space
1st interactions indirect last interactions face to face 2nd interactions through intermediary
WhatsApp is widely used and familiar to the community: 75% of participants use WhatsApp always Easy to integrate—no extra onboarding required
Effective for broad communication but align to key concerns (mistrust for sensitive information)
Confirmed diverse needs and varying stages of preparedness within the community
Trust in the messenger is essential to drive initial engagement: ~90% of cards were returned with full contact info
LasPersonasqueTeAcompañan ¿Quiénes son las personas más importantes en tu día a da?
“Gut-feeling” kin choices often shift with guided reflection; mapping full networks helps reveal the best fit.
Children’s voices are essential— incorporating them into the service strengthens trust and relevance
Education is key—families need to understand why making a plan matters, even if temporary
Our research, made tangible
ASSESS your needs and decide where to begin
Bringing Them In, Playfully
check your gut feeling with legal requirements
Families walk away with a clear, shared backup plan...
...safely, and gaining peace of mind.
Where we are aiming to
PHYSICAL PHYGITAL DIGITAL
CBO embedded Plug and play Direct to users
2025
NYC
Families Served: 104
2026
NYC, NJ, MIA, LA
Families Served: 1,040
2027
NYC, NJ, MIA, LA, HOU
Families Served: 3,050
A reality where every family can plan for their children's futures with ease, confidence, and agency.
Prepared with love, just in case.
