Who typically steps in to care for children when biological or adoptive parents cannot?

The correct answer highlights the role of kindred family members in caring for children when their biological or adoptive parents are unable to do so. Kindred family members, which include relatives like aunts, uncles, and cousins, generally step in first because they have an established familial bond and understanding of the child's background, ensuring continuity in care and a sense of security for the child during a difficult time.

While friends and grandparents can also be significant figures in a child's life and may provide temporary support or care, they do not hold the primary responsibility that kindred family members often do. Foster parents, on the other hand, are specifically trained and licensed to take care of children in need but may not have the same relationship or emotional connection as extended family members. In many cases, the first consideration for a child’s care is to look to their relatives, making the role of kindred family members paramount in situations where parents are unable to fulfill their responsibilities.