Relative Caregiver Resources on TennHelp
Kinship families are in great need of financial, legal, and emotional support. Many times, relative caregivers don't know where to go for help. The Relative Caregiver portion of TennHelp.com is a practical resource guide that provides information and resources for agencies assisting grandparents and other relative caregivers. Its intended audience includes social service providers who work with relative caregivers as well as grandparents, and other relative caregivers who are seeking additional information.
Millions of children are being raised by their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, and other relative caregivers. Relative caregivers are also known as non-parental caregivers, relative caretakers, grand-families or kinship families. Some people limit the definition to relatives by blood, marriage or adoption. While extended families have always helped with childrearing, relatives are increasingly becoming the primary caregivers of their relative's children when children have been abused, neglected, or left because of a parent's death, immaturity, drug abuse, imprisonment, or illness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Legal Relationship with the ChildOne of the challenges relative caregivers face is establishing a legal relationship with the child. Why might a relative caregiver needs a legal relationship with the child? For many reasons: to consent to medical, psychological, or mental treatment for the child; to establish what decisions can be made without the parent's permission; to know exactly what responsibilities the relative has to the child; to get some types of financial help, support or other benefits.Money IssuesHaving an unexpected and new mouth to feed can be very difficult. From school supplies to clothing to new beds, raising your relative's children can be very expensive. Working class families often fall through the cracks.Childcare Before & AftercareRelative caregivers are in need of childcare so that they may go to work and school. Elderly or disabled relatives also need relief from their 24-hour care giving responsibilities. Furthermore, group childcare settings help children to build important social skills, and reach educational goals and developmental milestones. Currently, there are only a few resources to address relative caregivers' urgent need for childcare. Many working and lower middle class relative caregivers needs to unaddressed. Childcare continues to be one of the most challenging areas for non-parental caregivers with young children.Getting Rides to and From (Transportation)Transportation is another barrier that many relative caregivers have trouble overcoming. Many are unable to get their relative's child to the doctor or to court.Housing / Apartment IssuesWhen relatives have to unexpectedly care for a relative's child, housing can be one of the major immediate challenges. Their house may be too small or their landlord may tell them that they can't have children in their apartment.Health / Medical InsuranceRegular medical care is essential for children to grow up healthy and strong. Additionally, many children that re cared for by relatives have physical and mental health problems that must be addressed. Fortunately, most children in kinship families are able to get free health insurance. However, relative caregivers may not know this. Also, many relative caregivers are elderly and need healthcare too.Support and Other InformationRelative caregivers face enormous challenges and stress while trying to raise their relatives' children. Many times they feel lonely or get lost in the system while trying to get help.
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