Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Orchard Children’s Services says Kinship Connections pilot helped place relatives for most children; limited funding threatens continuation
Summary
Orchard Children’s Services told the appropriations subcommittee that its Kinship Connections pilot (started June 2022) served 608 children, averaged more than 32 family connections per child, and placed 77% with relatives or fictive kin; the pilot’s core work will continue under a one-year extension while funding options are sought.
Orchard Children’s Services told the House appropriations subcommittee that its Kinship Connections pilot, developed in partnership with MDHHS and the new foster care office, has had measurable outcomes but is not financially stable beyond a short extension.
Nicole Lawson, president and CEO of Orchard Children’s Services, said Orchard contracts with MDHHS across the state and provides family preservation, foster licensing, kinship services and adoption work. Kelsey…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
