Supporting Struggling Grandparents and Kin in Arizona’s FY27 Budget
As Arizona lawmakers negotiate the FY27 state budget, Children’s Action Alliance (CAA) is urging Governor Hobbs and the Legislature to strengthen support for children and their kinship families.
Kinship caregivers, grandparents, relatives, and close family members step up when children cannot remain safely with their parents. These families provide stability, love, and a sense of belonging during times of crisis, often with limited financial support.
At a time of rising costs for families, Arizona must prioritize solutions that keep children safely cared for by family and out of congregate care settings. Kinship care is both more cost-effective and better for children’s long-term well-being.
At a recent Kinship Conference, CAA heard directly from caregivers raising grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and siblings. These relatives have stepped in to provide safe, stable homes for children when most needed. Their commitment is clear, but many continue to struggle with the financial strain of providing for the children in their care.
Please click the button below to contact Governor Hobbs and legislators to urge our state leaders to support two key investments for kinship caregivers:
- Increase the Kinship Stipend ($2.2 million) to provide more financial support for relatives caring for children through DCS to help reduce reliance on congregate care.
- Restore TANF cash assistance for kinship caregivers to provide critical financial support for relatives caring for children outside of DCS custody. This uses existing federal funds, when available, and does not need state funding.
Investing in kinship care strengthens families and improves outcomes for children throughout their lives.
