Kinship Care is a program designed to help support a child who resides outside of his or her own home, either temporarily or for the long term, with the relative (such as an adult brother or sister, a first cousin, a nephew or niece, an uncle or aunt or a grandparent, among others).

Many older Americans approaching or in retirement suddenly find themselves caring for and raising their grandchildren. In most cases, there are heart-breaking circumstances that have led to this situation. Reasons most often cited for grandparents assuming parental roles include the following conditions or problems related to the biological parents:

Death of Parents	Divorce/Separation
Incarceration of Parents	Unemployment of Parents
Substance Abuse by Parents	Teen Pregnancy
Family violence/Child Abuse/Neglect	Physical or mental illness/disabliltiy
Homelessness/Finances	HIV / AIDS

The caregivers related to the children, who are acting out of love and family support, may find they have unexpected feelings and a lot of questions. There are many practical matters that need to be addressed.

How long will I be raisin this child?

Do we need financial help?

Should I become a guardian? How do I do that?

Does the child in trauma need counseling? Should I get counseling too?

How do I deal with schools and health and future planning issues?

How are other people in this situation doing?

There is help for families who are raising their relative's children.
Kinship Care in Hillsdale County is a program provided by Hillsdale County Senior Services Center that is ready to help Grandparents, Great Grandparents, and other relatives who are parenting a related child. This Kinship Care Program offers

Peer support meetings

Speakers on specific topics

Assistance with financial and legal      issues.

Assistance with counseling      resources

Other resource materials

 

Here are a few statics about Grandparents or relatives who provide parenting for family members.

The average care arrangement is approximately six years in duration.

The age of a grandparent raising a grandchild at this Center is 53, though 16% are age      65 or older.

Over half of the children cared for by grandparents are age 6 or younger.

Half of the grandparents provide care for more than one grandchild.

For further information on Kinship Care Program please use our Contact US page or
call 1-800-479-3348. Hillsdale County's Kinship Care program is funded through a grant from the Michigan Strong Families/Safe Children initiative.