Washington State Kinship Navigator Program
The Washington State Kinship Navigator program is intended to support formal and informal kinship caregivers and the children they are raising. Washington state defines a kinship caregiver as any individual who steps in to raise a child when the child’s parents are unable to do so. The program is housed outside of the child welfare system but serves both caregivers who have been formally appointed through that system (formal kinship caregivers) and those who have not (informal kinship caregivers). The program connects caregivers with trained Kinship Navigators who provide services and support based on the caregiver’s needs.
The Washington State Kinship Navigator program provides one of three levels of services based on the results of an initial intake and screening process. The initial intake is designed to identify the level of services needed and the types of services that would be most helpful for the family. Navigators may also conduct a more in-depth culturally responsive needs assessment in partnership with the caregiver that identifies (1) specific areas where the caregiver and children need support and (2) caregiver priorities among needs identified. Navigators then provide information on or coordinate access to relevant support services and community resources such as behavioral or physical health providers, childcare, financial or housing assistance, legal services, parenting classes, educational supports, in-home family services, and support groups.
Navigators provide the first level of services, information assistance and referral, when the initial contact with the caregiver indicates their need can be addressed in a short communication (such as giving someone a phone number or a one-time referral). At this level, Navigators provide one-time assistance and educate caregivers about available resources and community services that caregivers can access themselves.
Navigators provide the second level of services, case coordination, when the caregiver identifies a single area of minimal need at intake. At this level, Navigators provide case coordination services designed to help caregivers meet a single specific need. For example, Navigators might connect an informal kinship caregiver who needs to purchase clothing for the child with a state program that provides short-term funding to help informal kinship families meet basic needs.
Navigators provide the third level of services, case management, when caregivers need more intensive support in two or more areas identified at intake. At this level, Navigators are required to administer the in-depth culturally responsive needs assessment in partnership with the caregiver. They then provide case management services designed to help caregivers set concrete and achievable goals and coordinate access to multiple services or resources. This may include connecting kinship caregivers with funding opportunities to help them meet urgent financial needs or connecting caregivers with peer-to-peer support to engage with other kinship families. The program offers trainings for the caregivers on trauma and other topics identified as relevant to their needs. It provides caregivers with online and in-person resources and educational tools related to kinship caregiving, services and supports, and the court process.
Washington State Kinship Navigator Program is rated as a supported practice because at least one study carried out in a usual care or practice setting achieved a rating of moderate or high on design and execution and demonstrated a sustained favorable effect of at least 6 months beyond the end of treatment on at least one target outcome.
Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed: Sep 2024
Sources
The following sources informed the program or service description, target population, and program or service delivery and implementation information: the program or service manual, and the program or service developer’s website.
This information does not necessarily represent the views of the program or service developers. For more information on how this program or service was reviewed, visit the download the Handbook of Standards and Procedures, Version 1.0
Target Population
The Washington State Kinship Navigator Program is designed to support formal and informal kinship caregivers and the children they are raising.
Dosage
The recommended length of services varies based on the caregiver’s needs and requests during the initial intake and screening. Depending on the level of service, the length of services can range from one-time assistance to 3–6 months of case management.
Location/Delivery Setting
Recommended Locations/Delivery Settings
Navigators can deliver the Washington State Kinship Navigator Program in the caregiver’s home, in the community, in a service agency, over the phone, or virtually.
Location/Delivery Settings Observed in the Research
- Home
Education, Certifications and Training
The Washington State Kinship Navigator Program recommends that Navigators have lived experience as a kinship caregiver or experience working with kinship caregivers.
Navigators are required to participate in training on need assessment strategies, enhanced case management, and the program requirements. The Washington State Aging and Long-Term Support Administration and the local Area Agencies on Aging provide training on the program requirements and ongoing training and supervision for Navigators.
Program or Service Documentation
Book/Manual/Available documentation used for review
University of Washington School of Social Work Partners for our Children, Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families, & Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). Kinship navigator pilot program: Program manual. https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ALTSA/hcs/documents/kinship/Washington Kinship Navigator Program Manual.pdf
University of Washington School of Social Work Partners for our Children, Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families, & Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). Washington State Kinship Navigator training manual. https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ALTSA/hcs/documents/kinship/Washington State Kinship Training Manual.pdf
Available languages
The Washington State Kinship Navigator Program manuals are available in English. Other materials are available in English and Spanish.
Other supporting materials
Washington State Kinship Navigator Program Fidelity Training
How To Fill Out the Washington State Kinship Navigator Fidelity Tool
For More Information
Website: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/kinship-care/kinship-navigator-case-management
Phone: (360) 584-2450
Email: kinshipnavigator@dshs.wa.gov
Note: The details on Dosage; Location; Education, Certifications, and Training; Other Supporting Materials; and For More Information sections above are provided to website users for informational purposes only. This information is not exhaustive and may be subject to change.
| Results of Search and Review | Number of Studies Identified and Reviewed for Washington State Kinship Navigator Program |
|---|---|
| Identified in Search | 1 |
| Eligible for Review | 1 |
| Rated High | 0 |
| Rated Moderate | 1 |
| Rated Low | 0 |
| Reviewed Only for Risk of Harm | 0 |
| Outcome | Effect Size
 and Implied Percentile Effect
|
N of Studies (Findings) | N of Participants | Summary of Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child permanency: Placement stability |
1.39
41 |
1 (1) | 478 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 1 Unfavorable: 0 |
| Adult well-being: Parent/caregiver mental or emotional health |
0.63
23 |
1 (1) | 252 |
Favorable:
1 No Effect: 0 Unfavorable: 0 |
| Adult well-being: Economic and housing stability |
0.25
9 |
1 (2) | 252 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 2 Unfavorable: 0 |
| Access to services |
0.27
10 |
1 (20) | 252 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 20 Unfavorable: 0 |
| Satisfaction with services |
0.13
5 |
1 (1) | 252 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 1 Unfavorable: 0 |
Note: For the effect sizes and implied percentile effects reported in the table, a positive number favors the intervention group and a negative number favors the comparison group.
| Outcome | Effect Size
and Implied Percentile Effect
|
N of Studies (Findings) | N of Participants | Summary of Findings |
Months after treatment when outcome measured
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child permanency: Placement stability |
1.39
41 |
1 (1) | 478 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 1 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 15069 - Washington Enhanced Kinship Navigator Program vs. Kinship Navigator Services-as-usual (Child Well-Being Outcomes) (Fowler, 2023) | |||||
| Left the Home Due to Placement Instability (%) |
1.39
41 |
- | 478 | - | 6 |
| Adult well-being: Parent/caregiver mental or emotional health |
0.63
23 |
1 (1) | 252 |
Favorable:
1 No Effect: 0 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 15069 - Washington Enhanced Kinship Navigator Program vs. Kinship Navigator Services-As-Usual (Caregiver Outcomes) (Fowler, 2023) | |||||
| Caregiver Overall Wellbeing |
0.63
*
23 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Adult well-being: Economic and housing stability |
0.25
9 |
1 (2) | 252 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 2 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 15069 - Washington Enhanced Kinship Navigator Program vs. Kinship Navigator Services-As-Usual (Caregiver Outcomes) (Fowler, 2023) | |||||
| Child-Only TANF Benefit Recipient (%) |
0.39
15 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Kinship Caregiver Support Services Financial Assistance Recipient (%) |
0.11
4 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Access to services |
0.27
10 |
1 (20) | 252 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 20 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 15069 - Washington Enhanced Kinship Navigator Program vs. Kinship Navigator Services-As-Usual (Caregiver Outcomes) (Fowler, 2023) | |||||
| Caregiver Service Use: Kinship Care Support Groups (%) |
1.35
41 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: In-Home Family Services (%) |
0.11
4 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Finding/Maintaining Housing (%) |
-0.31
-12 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Obtaining Durable Goods (%) |
0.00
0 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Getting Enough Daily Food for Family (%) |
-0.31
-12 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Getting/Keeping Public Assistance (%) |
0.53
20 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Transportation Assistance (%) |
1.23
39 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: School-Related Supports (%) |
0.39
15 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Accessing Dental Care for Caregiver (%) |
-0.55
-21 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Accessing Dental Care for Child (%) |
1.06
35 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Childcare Support (%) |
0.32
12 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Respite (%) |
0.32
12 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Personal and Emotional Support (%) |
-0.55
-21 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Someone to Talk to Regarding Kinship Child (%) |
0.28
11 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Professional Behavioral Health/Counseling for Child (%) |
0.32
12 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Professional Behavioral Health/Counseling for Self (%) |
1.47
42 |
- | 251 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Training for Kinship Caregivers (%) |
-1.39
-41 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Language Services (%) |
0.91
31 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: Access to Legal Services and Information (%) |
-0.17
-6 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Caregiver Service Use: In-Home Family Services (%) |
0.32
12 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
| Satisfaction with services |
0.13
5 |
1 (1) | 252 |
Favorable:
0 No Effect: 1 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 15069 - Washington Enhanced Kinship Navigator Program vs. Kinship Navigator Services-As-Usual (Caregiver Outcomes) (Fowler, 2023) | |||||
| Caregiver Overall Satisfaction With Services |
0.13
5 |
- | 252 | - | 6 |
*p <.05
Note: For the effect sizes and implied percentile effects reported in the table, a positive number favors the intervention group and a negative number favors the comparison group. Effect sizes and implied percentile effects were calculated by the Prevention Services Clearinghouse as described in the Handbook of Standards and Procedures, Section 5.10.4 and may not align with effect sizes reported in individual publications.
Only publications with eligible contrasts that met design and execution standards are included in the individual study findings table.
Full citations for the studies shown in the table are available in the "Studies Reviewed" section.
The participant characteristics display is an initial version. We encourage those interested in providing feedback to send suggestions to preventionservices@abtglobal.com.
The table below displays locations, the year, and participant demographics for studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution and that reported the information. Participant characteristics for studies with more than one intervention versus comparison group pair that received moderate or high ratings are shown separately in the table. Please note, the information presented here uses terminology directly from the study documents, when available. Studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution that did not include relevant participant demographic information would not be represented in this table.
For more information on how Clearinghouse reviewers record the information in the table, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings.
| Characteristics of the Participants in the Studies with Moderate or High Ratings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Study Location
|
Study Year
|
Age or Grade-level
|
Race, Ethnicity, Nationality
|
Gender
|
Populations of Interest*
|
Household Socioeconomic Status
|
| Study 15069 - Washington Enhanced Kinship Navigator Program vs. Kinship Navigator Services-as-usual (Child Well-Being Outcomes) | ||||||
| Characteristics of the Adults, Parents, or Caregivers | ||||||
| Washington, USA | 2019 | Average age: 59 years |
65% White (non-Hispanic) 19% Hispanic 9% Black / African American 6% American Indian / Alaskan Native 0.8% Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.2% Other |
-- | -- | -- |
| Study 15069 - Washington Enhanced Kinship Navigator Program vs. Kinship Navigator Services-As-Usual (Caregiver Outcomes) | ||||||
| Characteristics of the Adults, Parents, or Caregivers | ||||||
| Washington, USA | 2019 | Average age: 58 years |
68% White (Non-Hispanic) 16% Hispanic 8% Black / African American 7% American Indian / Alaskan Native 0.8% Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.4% Other |
-- | -- | -- |
“--” indicates information not reported in the study.
* The information about disabilities is based on initial coding. For more information on how the Clearinghouse recorded disability information for the initial release, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings. The Clearinghouse is currently seeking consultation from experts, including those with lived experience, and input from the public to enhance and improve the display.
Note: Citations for the documents associated with each 5-digit study number shown in the table can be found in the “Studies Reviewed” section below. Study settings and participant demographics are recorded for all studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution and that reported the information. Studies that did not report any information about setting or participant demographics are not displayed. For more information on how participant characteristics are recorded, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings.
Studies Rated Moderate
Study 15069Fowler, J., Day, A., Wollen, S., & Vanderwill, L. (2023). Washington State Kinship Navigator pilot evaluation results: Six months post. Partners for Our Children, Washington State Department of Social & Health Services, University of Washington School of Social Work, & Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families. https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ALTSA/hcs/documents/kinship/WA%20Kinship%20Navigator%206mo%20Clearinghouse%20Report.pdf
This study was conducted in a usual care or practice setting (Handbook Section 6.2.2)