The resolution recognizes the vital role of kinship families in the District of Columbia and acknowledges the numerous benefits that kinship caregivers provide to the children in their care, as well as the challenges they face. It declares September 2026 as Kinship Care Month, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of these families, which include grandparents, relatives, and family friends who take on the responsibility of raising children when biological parents are unable to do so. The resolution highlights that approximately 18,000 children in D.C. live in kinship care, emphasizing the need for support and resources for these caregivers who often face financial instability and emotional challenges.

The D.C. Council expresses gratitude to kinship caregivers for their commitment to providing safe and nurturing homes for children, particularly those who have experienced trauma or instability. The resolution aims to promote public awareness of the issues faced by kinship families and to ensure that necessary services and supports are accessible to help these children thrive. By designating September 2026 as Kinship Care Month, the Council reaffirms its support for kinship caregivers and the essential role they play in the lives of the children they care for.