New Brief Highlights the Essential Role of Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care

Across the South, millions of families rely on grandparents, relatives, friends, and neighbors to care for young children. These trusted caregivers, known as Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care providers, play a vital role in supporting children, working families, and local economies, yet their contributions often go unrecognized.

MDC is proud to release a new brief exploring the essential role of FFN care and the growing momentum to better recognize, support, and invest in these caregivers. The brief is part of MDC’s ongoing work to elevate the importance of FFN care and advance policies that strengthen families and communities across the South.

📄 Download the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care Brief (PDF)

Why FFN Care Matters

FFN care refers to childcare provided by trusted, non-licensed caregivers such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and neighbors. These caregivers help fill critical childcare gaps created by rising costs, workforce shortages, and limited access to licensed childcare—making it possible for many parents to remain in the workforce while ensuring children receive care from people they know and trust.

A Decade of Partnership and Progress

Commissioned by MDC and developed by consultant Shauna Harps, the brief reflects years of partnership and collaboration through the Great Expectations initiative in Forsyth County and MDC’s Home-Based Child Care (HBCC) work across North Carolina. Together with community partners, philanthropy, providers, and advocates, these efforts have helped build greater recognition, resources, and support for FFN caregivers while advancing meaningful systems change.

That work is producing tangible results. In 2026, North Carolina lawmakers introduced three Senate bills that would formally recognize FFN providers, refine licensing policies, and expand access to federal nutrition resources, an important step toward strengthening support for families and caregivers across the state.

Read the Brief

Whether you’re a policymaker, community leader, advocate, childcare provider, or family member, this brief offers valuable insights into the essential role FFN caregivers play in strengthening children, families, and communities.

📥 Download the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care Brief (PDF)