Kinship Care Families, Graduate Certificate

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Overview

When a child’s world is upended, the strongest safety net is often found within the family—the grandparents, siblings, and relatives who step in to provide a sense of belonging. This graduate certificate program at Western Michigan University offers a deep dive into the unique and resilient world of kinship care, transforming your empathy into high-impact expertise. You won’t just study the logistics of family placement; you will explore the profound emotional bonds and cultural strengths that define these households.

Beyond theory, this program equips you with a sophisticated toolkit to advocate for families at the crossroads of educational, legal, and social systems. You will learn to design and lead innovative programming that addresses the specific economic and systemic hurdles these caregivers face, ensuring they don't just survive, but thrive. Whether you are looking to advance your career or spark systemic change, this curriculum bridges the gap between traditional foster care models and the nuanced needs of modern families.

Why apply?

Tackle Global Issues Head-On: Dive into the heart of multi-generational challenges, reshaping how we view healthcare systems, education, and economic stability.
Total Flexibility: All five courses are offered 100% online, making it perfect for both U.S.-based and international students looking to learn from anywhere in the world.
Fast-Track Your Success: You can power through the entire specialization in just one calendar year.
Customize Your Journey: You’re in the driver’s seat! Choose to take just the courses that spark your interest or complete the full suite for maximum impact.
Level Up Your Degree: Ready for a Master's? These courses can be seamlessly applied toward a master's degree in family and consumer sciences.

Who should apply?

People with both a bachelor's degree and professional experience working in social services or with children, parents and adults in kinship care settings or cases. The flexible nature of the online program is great for students who wish to continue working full time while completing the certificate.

Program of study

Research shows us that kinship care (care of children by relatives or close family friends) may benefit children in many ways that foster care does not. If you work with adults and children in kinship care situations, our certificate program and courses will equip you with specialized skills and competencies related to:

Understanding the challenges faced by caregivers, children and parents
Supporting and building family engagement and resiliency
Accessing available resources
Helping kinship caregivers navigate health care and education systems
Developing and implementing effective programs for members of kinship care families

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Cost & funding

Our faculty

Dr. Kimberly Doudna

FCS Graduate Advisor and Associate Professor

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For a full list of faculty, visit our directory.

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Take it further!

Obtain your master's degree.

By completing this graduate certificate, you're already more than halfway to earning your full master’s degree in family and consumer sciences. In many cases, just one or two additional courses can unlock the full MA. It’s a smart, streamlined path if you're considering deepening your expertise or advancing your career even further.

Explore the master's degree in family and consumer sciences