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Brookdale.Foundation Relatives as Parents Program Guidebook
Presented by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) in partnership with Brookdale Foundation Group
PromisingPracticesin
& Encouraging
SupportingGrandparentsandRelativesRaisingChildren
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n4a:Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Offi cerHelen Eltzeroth, Director of Programs and CommunicationsNancy Aldrich, Writer
Brookdale Foundation Group Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP):Melinda Perez-Porter, Director
ThispublicationwasmadepossiblebygenerousfundingfromtheBrookdaleFoundationGroup .
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children �
Acknowledgement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.
Relatives as Parents Program Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.
TheIllinoisDepartmentonAging,Springfield,Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MountainEmpireOlderCitizens,BigStoneGap,Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
RegionIVAreaAgencyonAging,St .Joseph,Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
CentralIllinoisAgencyonAging,Inc .,Peoria,Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
MichiganOfficeofServicestotheAging,Lansing,Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
AreaAgencyonAgingDistrict7Inc .,RioGrande,Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
AreaAgencyonAgingandDisabilityServicesofTexoma,Sherman,Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
NorthwestRegionalCouncil(TheRAPPNativeAmericanInitiative),Bellingham,Washington . . . . . 22
AreaAgencyonAging/EICAP,IdahoFalls,Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ArrowheadAreaAgencyonAging,Duluth,Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
MACIncorporated—AreaAgencyonAging,Salisbury,Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Table of Contents
TheNationalAssociationofAreaAgenciesonAging(n4a)isverygratefultotheBrookdaleFoundationGroupforpartneringonthisguidebookdesignedtohighlightthesuccessfulRelativesasParentsPrograms(RAPP)operatedbyAreaAgenciesonAging .TheBrookdaleFoundationGroupprovidesseedgrantstonot-for-profit
organizationstoencourageandpromotethecreationorexpansionofRAPPservicesforgrandparentsandotherrelativeswhohavetakenontheresponsibilitiesofsurrogateparenting .
WehopethisguidebookwillmaketheagingnetworkacrossthenationawareofhowimportantandsuccessfultheseRAPPprogrameffortshavebeeninhelpingandsupportinggrandparentsandotherrelativeswhoareraisingchildren .
HopefullythisknowledgewillencouragethereplicationofRAPPsupportiveservicestorelativecaregiversthroughouttheagingnetwork .
ManythankstoBrookdaleforitsleadershipinthisarea .
Acknowledgement
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children �
Introduction
T heNationalAssociationofAreaAgenciesonAging(n4a),inpartnershipwiththeBrookdaleFoundationGroup,createdthisguidebooktoencouragereplicationofthesuccessfulRelativesasParentsPrograms(RAPP)operatedbytheagingnetworkacrossthenation .TheRAPPprogramshavebeenalifelinetogrand-
parentsandotherrelativeswhofindthattheyaresuddenlyraisingchildren,duetothedeath,incarcerationorotherwiseunavailabilityofthechild’sparents .
TheBrookdaleFoundationGrouplaunchedRAPPin1996intheformof$10,000seedgrantsandtechnicalassistancetosuccessfulnonprofitapplicants .Theprogram’sgoalsareto:
1) provideaccessiblesupportgroupsandothersupportiveservicestorelativecaregiversandthechildrenintheircare;
2) encouragecooperationandcollaborationamongvariousservicedeliverysystems(i .e .,childcare,mentalhealth,aging,familyservices,education,legalandhealthcare);
3) ensurethedevelopment,expansionandfuturecontinuityoflocalservices;and
4) createreplicablemodelsofservice .
AlthoughmanykindsofentitiescanoperateaRelativesasParentsProgram,theagingnetworkhasaspecialrelation-shipwithRAPP .Theagingnetworkhasastrongcommitmenttosupportingolderadultsandofferingintergenerationalprogramming,makingitanaturalsponsorforRAPPprograms .WhereaRAPPiscenteredinanAreaAgencyonAging,TitleVIprogramorStateUnitonAging,theprogramcandrawonmanyadditionalresourcesandprogramsalreadyavailable,includinginformationandassistance,casemanagement,counseling,legalassistance,nutritionandseniorwellnessprograms,transportationassistance,andvolunteerprograms .Alloftheseservicescanhelpgrandparentsandotherrelativesre-entertheworldofchildrearingwhilekeepingthemselvesphysicallyandmentallywell .
Nonetheless,partnershipswithchildren’sorganizationsandothergroupsarethekeytothesuccessforRAPP,whichprovidesbothagingandchildren’sservices .Allpartnersmustbecommittedtoteamandintergenerationalconcepts .AreaAgenciesonAgingandTitleVIprogramswillneedtolearnthenewlanguage,cultureandorganizationofthe“children’snetwork”ofpartnersandresources .Thus,itisessentialtohaveawidearrayofactivelyinvolvedpartnersandastaffcommittedtothinkingoutsideofthebox .
Theendproductisworththeeffort .Astheagingnetworkextendsitselftolearnaboutchildcaregiversandthesupporttheyneed,itwillfindnewpartnersandcoalitions,createnewwaystoshareandstretchdollars,andhelpkeeptheoldergenerationfirmlybondedwithyoungergenerations .
Soreadonaswesharethestoriesof11successfulagingnetworksponsorsofRAPPprogramsthathavemadeadifferenceinthelivesofmanyrelativesraisingchildren .Wehopeyouwillfindsomeinspirationandmotivationtocreateyourownprograms,andthatwecansomedaytellyourstory,too!
Relatives as Parents Program
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Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children �
Testimonial from KinCare Grandmother
(submittedtoMountainEmpireOlderCitizens,Inc .,RAPPprogram,BigStoneGap,Virginia):
Asadisabledgrandmotherwiththreegrandkidslivinginthehomewithme,IcannotdescribewhattheKinCareProgramhasdoneformeinthepastthreeyears .WehavebenefitedfromtheHolidaysforKidsprogram,summerpoolpartiesandtheBoyScouts,whoprovideakidsnightoutparty .WiththeseKinCare
programs,wehavebeenabletoparticipateandlearnhowtomakecrafts,sharingandreading,andhowtoworkwithchildrenonprojectsthatbenefiteverybody .Mygrandkidshavelearnedhowtosharewithothersandtoseewhattheycanaccomplishwheneverybodyworkstogether .
IamalsoontheKinCareAdvisoryCouncilthatmeetsquarterlywithmanyagenciesthatareinvolved .Weevaluatetheprogramstoseewhereweareweakandcouldusesomeimprovements .Also,atourquarterlymeetingsweseewhereourstrengthslie .OneofthebestpartsoftheprogramisthatMountainEmpireOlderCitizensnotonlyaddressesconcernsofthechildren,butofthecaregiversaswell .
KinCarehasprovidededucationalprogramsthataddressissuesofcorrectdisciplineforchildren,stress,healthcare,estateplanning,mentalhealthissues,housingandspecialservicesavailabletoKincarerelativecaregivers .
AsaKinCaregrandmother,Ihavelearnedtoimprovemygrandkids’livesandtomethatisanamazingthingtosay .
Sincerely,
CindyNave
Profiles
Relatives as Parents Program
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TheIllinoisDepartmentonAging’sGrandparentsRaisingGrandchildrenProgramwasestablishedin1996withatwo-year,$10,000BrookdaleFoundationaward .InFY2006,theDepartmentprovided$67,000tolocalorganizationsandAreaAgenciesonAgingtoassistrelativesregardlessofagewithemergencyneeds .
Services:FiveAreaAgenciesonAgingusedthefundingtodeveloplocalsupportgroups .TheDepartmentassumedadministrativeresponsibilitiesforataskforceongrandparentsraisinggrandchildren .Thetaskforcehasgrowntoincludelocal,regionalandstateorganizations,faith-basedassociations,educationalinstitutions,extensionservices,stateagencies,AreaAgenciesonAging,andrelativesraisingchildren .Thetaskforcemeetsquarterlythroughoutthestateandadvocatesforrelativesraisingchildren .TheDepartmentalsoprovidesreferralsandadvocatesonbehalfofrelatives,assistswithaccessingservices,fundssupportgroupsandspecialinitiatives,developsresourcematerials,andprovidestrainingandtechnicalassistance .
TheDepartmentonAginghastrainedpersonnelinotheragencies,includingChildAbuseHotline,AdvocacyOffice,PostAdoption/Guardianship,ExtendedFamilySupportServicesandInter-stateCompact .Thistraininghasresultedinreferralsandseamlessaccesstoservices .TheDepartmentonAgingandAARParecurrentlymeetingwiththeDepart-mentofHumanServicestodiscusspolicyrevisionstotheTANF/ChildOnlyGrantprogram .TheChicagoDepartmentonAginghasformedacitytaskforceongrandparentsraisinggrandchildren .
ManyAreaAgenciesonAgingregularlyholdjointmeetingsofcaregiverresourcespecialistsandgrandparentsraisinggrandchildrensupportgroupfacilitators .TheDepartmentmentionsthesegroupsinemailsconcerningcaregiverandrelativeissues .
Key Partners:Stateagencies(DepartmentofChildrenandFamilyServices,HealthcareandFamilyServices,PublicHealth,HumanServices,Corrections,Transportation,OfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralandIllinoisStateBoardofEdu-cation);countyagencies(GuardianshipAssistanceDeskofCookCounty,SangamonCountyCircuitClerk,Mid-IllinoisSeniorServices);andprivateandnonprofitorganizations(ParentPlace,communityhospitals,stateandlocaluniversi-ties,legalservices,extensionoffices,AARP,churches,IllinoisNetworkofChildCareResourceandReferralAgencies,VoicesforIllinoisChildren,SergeantShriverCenterforPovertyLaw,homelessorganizationsandsocialserviceagen-cies,BrookdaleFoundationandGenerationsUnited)
Springfield, Illinois
PlanningandServiceArea:suburbanpopulationage60+:1 .9millionBrookdalegrants:1996,2003
Contact:
BarbaraSchwartzIllinoisDepartmentonAging421EastCapitolAvenue#100Springfield,IL62701217-524-5327Barb .Schwartz@illinois .gov
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The number of support groups continues to grow. Presently there are 90 statewide support groups.
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 9
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Outcomes and Results:Thenumberofsupportgroupscontinuestogrow .Presentlythereare90statewidesupportgroups .ForFY2007,theIllinoisstatelegislatureincreasedtheprogram’sbudgetby$200,000 .Italsopassedtwokeybills:1)HB4406toprovidearenewable$1,000collegegranttoeligiblehighschoolseniorswhohavebeenraisedbyagrandparentandarereceivingaTANF/ChildOnlyGrant;and2)HB4242torequiretheDepartmentofChildrenandFamilyServicestotrytolocateandplacechildrenwithrelatives .
Replicability:Thesesupportiveservicescanbeeasilyreplicatedwiththerightpartners .Byexpandingservicestoincludechildren’sadvocacygroups,theagingnetworkisbecomingfamiliarwithservicestoassistchildrenandyouth,andthechildren’sgroupsarenowlearningaboutresourcestoassistseniorsandcaregivers .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,IllinoisGeneralAssemblyGeneralRevenueFunds,OlderAmericansAct/NationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram
Lessons Learned:1) Selectkeypersonnelfromparticipatingagenciestoassistwithadvocacy,policyimplementationandinterpre-
tation,andprogramdevelopment .
2) Formliaisonswithfront-lineworkersandincludeeverystateprogramthatdealswithrelatives .
3) MakeRAPPsasinclusiveaspossible .
4) Developlistservstoprovideinformation .
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KinCare,aprogramofMountainEmpireOlderCitizens,Inc .(MEOC),providesservicestorelativecaregiversofallageslivingintheCentralAppalachianregionofsouthwesternVirginia .
Services:KinCaresupportgroupsandgrandparentmeetingsareheldmonthlyatfourdifferentlocationsacrosstheservicearea .MEOChasjustlaunchedanewon-linesupportgroupforKincareparents .Otherservicesincludecounseling,casemanagement,crisisinterventionandfollow-up,transportation,legalassistance,supportgroups,socializationactivities,educationalinformation,referrals,assistancewithschoolsupplies,artsupplies,books,andmanyothersupportiveservices .AllservicesandtransportationareprovidedatnocosttoKinCarefamilies .
MEOC’scasemanagementdepartmentprovidesreferralstoKinCareandassessesallreferralsofpeople55andolder .TheKinCareDirectordoestheassessmentforthoseundertheageof55,usingtheVirginiaUniformAssessmentInstrument,akinshipcareintakeform,consentformandbehavioralsymptomschecklist .MEOCalsoprovidestoys,books,artsuppliesandgifts .Theprogrammakesmentalhealthreferralstocommunitymentalhealthagencies,
KinCare
Big Stone Gap, Virginia
PlanningandServiceArea:ruralpopulationage60+:92,000Brookdalegrants:1999,2003,2005
Contact:
MarilynPaceMaxwellMountainEmpireOlderCitizens,Inc .P .O .Box888BigStoneGap,VA24219276-523-4202mmaxwell@meoc .org
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 11
includingtheSouthwestVirginiaChildren’sAdvocacyCenter(CAC),aprogramofMEOC .Themajoridentifiedneedwasforchildabusetreatmentservices .TheprogramdevelopedareferralprocessforKinCarechildrenandfamiliesthatincludescasemanagement,supportandmoreintensivetherapy .
Key Partners:MentalhealthagenciesandresearchersatVirginiaTechUniversity,UniversityofVirginiaatWiseandRadfordUniversity .Otherpartnersincludeadvocacyorganizations,attorneysgeneral,CatholicCharities,childcareorganizations,communitycolleges,CooperativeExtension,EastTennesseeStateUniversity,familycrisissupportservices,HeadStart,medicalcentersandhospitals,policedepartments,probationandparoleofficers,andsocialservicesdepartments .Inaddition,theAdvisoryCouncilhasmembersfromfaith-basedorganizations,AARP,childprotectiveservices,BoyScouts,publichousingauthority,localschoolsystems,localcommunitycollege,AmeriCorpsandlegalservices .
Outcomes and Results:FromJuly1,2004toJune30,2005,theKinCareprogramprovidedsupportiveservicesto148kinshipcarefamiliesintheregionwhowereraising298relativechildren .ChildrenbeingraisedbyKinCarefamiliesaresaferandbetterprotectedfromfurtherabuse .MEOCmetandexceededitsgoalofhaving95%ofKinCarechildrenincasemanagementremaininthehomeandhavenofurtherreportsofabuseandneglect,asmeasuredbyMultidisciplinaryTeamcasetrackinglogsandKinCarecaserecords .TheKinCareprogramprovidesfollow-upforKinCarefamiliesandevaluateschildsafetywithinthehomethroughphonecalls,supportgroupsandsocializationactivities—98%ofKinCareparticipantsexpressedsatisfactionwithservices .
Replicability:Replicationrequiresawidearrayofactivelyinvolvedpartnersandastaffcommittedtothinking“outsideofthebox .”Thekeyelementsforreplicationinclude:1)embracingintergenerationalprogramming,2)havinganextensivecasemanagementdepartment,3)seeingpeopleasfriends,neighborsandfriends,andnotjustas“clients,”4)lookingatneedidentifiedbytherelativecaregiversandnotjustwhatprofessionalsthinktheyneed,and5)providingtransportationtoprograms .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,OlderAmericansAct/NationalFamilyCaregiversProgram,specialVirginiaGeneralAssemblyappropriation,CenterforIndependentLiving—TheJunctionCenterforIndependentLiving,localgovernments,statedepartmentofsocialservices,foundationsandcharities,andcommunitydonations
Lessons Learned: 1) Beflexible,andunderstandthatKinshipcareprogramsarebothagingandchildren’sservices .
2) Anticipatethattheneedisfargreaterthanimaginedandgrowsdaily .
3) Puttogetherfundingfromawidevarietyofsourcestoachieveprogramstabilityandviability .
4) Developachildabusecontinuumofcarethatincludesprevention,interventionandtreatment .
KinCare
MEOC met and exceeded its goal of having 95% of KinCare children in case management remain in the home and have no further reports of abuse and neglect. 98% of KinCare participants expressed satisfaction with services.
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Theprogramsupportsgrandparentandrelativecaregiversincaringfortheirchildren .Thegoalistoensurepermanentplacementwithrelativesinlieuoffostercare,addressspecialneedsofchildrenbeingraisedbyrelativecaregivers,advocateforrelativecaregiversandraiseawarenessoftheirneedsaswellastheir
contribution .
Services:Servicesincluderegularoutreachtoteachersinthetri-countyareaforreferralsofnewfamilies,telephonesupportgroups,informationalspeakers,familyrecreationalevents,breakfastgatherings,informationandreferral,newsletters,andfreechildcareandmileagereimbursementformeetingsandevents .Challengesincludefunding(averageannualbudgetis$30,000);insufficientstaffing(25hoursofstafftime);restrictionsonlocalfoundationfunding,whichcannotbeusedforadministrativecosts;limitedtransportationavailableforcaregiversinruralareas;andamethamphetaminecrisisthatisincreasingthenumberofparentswho,becauseoftheiraddictionorincarceration,areleavingtheirchildrenwithrelativecaregivers .Additionally,TANF/ChildOnlyGrantsaretheonlysourceoffinancialassistance .
Continualadvocacyandjustificationforfundingarenecessarytocounteractthepervasiveyetunspokenattitudethatgrandparentsandrelativesaremerelyfulfillingtheirresponsibilitytocareforchildrenduetotheirparents’inabilitytodoso .
Beginninginthefallof2006,theprogramlaunchedapilotprojectwithoneareaschooldistrictwithalargenumberofidentifiedkinshipfamiliesinallgradelevels .WithsupportfromtheParent-TeacherAssociation,theprogramisholdingactivitynightsseveraltimesayear .Itincludessupportgroupsforcaregiversandactivitiesforchildrenandteens .Thepilotprojectwilldeterminewhetherschool-basedsupportgroupswillhaveahigherrateofattendanceduetothefamiliarenvironmentandlocation .
Key Partners:MichiganStateUniversityCooperativeExtensionService,AndrewsUniversitySchoolofSocialWork,OfficeofServicestotheAging/MichiganKinshipCareNetwork,ChildandFamilyServices,countyhealthandhumanservicesdepartments,intermediateschooldistricts,sheriffsdepartments,HeadStart,serviceandcharitableorganiza-tions(Lions,Rotary,Kiwanis,AngelTreeMinistries,TheWayBack,SalvationArmy,AmericanRedCross,BoyandGirlScouts),localchurchesandseniorcenters,Wal-Martandlocalfoodstores .
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
St. Joseph, Michigan
PlanningandServiceArea:ruralpopulationage60+:289,820Brookdalegrant:1996,2005
Contact:
CamelliaPisegnaRegionIVAreaAgencyonAgingGrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren/RAPP2900LakeviewAve .St .Joseph,MI49085269-983-7058camelliapisegna@areaagencyonaging .org
Only four children of enrolled families have entered foster care from relative placement in the past 10 years.
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 1�
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Outcomes and Results:Todate,290familieshavebeenenrolled .Theprogramdevelopedspecialprogramsforfamiliesofprisoners(125),thoseraisingteenagers(82)andthoseraisingveryyoungchildren(56) .Theprogramhasahighrateofpermanentplacementwithrelatives .Onlyfourchildrenofenrolledfamilieshaveenteredfostercarefromrelativeplacementinthepast10years .
Replicability:Alltheprogramsandservicesarereplicable .Theprogramisuniqueinthelargenumberoffamiliesservedonanextremelylimitedbudgetinaruralarea .Keystosuccessfulreplicationincludefinancialandin-kindsup-portfromtheAAA,avarietyofprogramsandservicestomeetdifferingcaregiverneeds,communitycollaborations,adedicatedandskilledRAPPcoordinatorandcaregiver-drivenprogramming .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,NationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram,UnitedWayofSouth-westMichigan,St .Joseph/BentonHarborRotary,BerrienCommunityFoundation,DepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesEarlyLearningOpportunityAct,CassCountyYouthCouncil,andlocalbusinessesandretailstoresprovidingsupplies
Lessons Learned: 1) Keeptheprogramstructureandservicesflexibleandcreativetomeetthechangingneedsofcaregivers
astheyoccur .
2) Constantfundraisingiskeytoasuccessfulprogram .Contactlocalfoundationstoobtainfundingtosustaintheprogram .
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WithfundingfromtheNationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram,theCentralIllinoisAgencyonAging,Inc .(CIAA)providedagranttoBradleyUniversityforfreeindividualcounselingandsupportgroupsforgrandparentsage55andolderwhoareraisinggrandchildrenaswellascaringforolderseniors .
Oftenthecaregiverfallsintobothcategoriesandisdoublychallengedprovidingcareforbothaspouseandagrandchildoradultdisabledchildwhohasstayedathomeandneverlearnedanylifeskills .
Services:CIAAprovidesservicestobothEnglishandSpanish-speakingpopulations,buthasdifficultyfindingtrans-portationandtranslatorsforthelattergroup .Manyofthegrandparentstendtostillbeworkingandareunderage55,whichmeanstheAAAcannotusefederalfundsforprograms .OftenCIAAhashadtorequeststatefunds,ifavailable,toprovideservicesfortheyoungerHispanicpopulation .ItalsoworkswithPrairieStateLegaltoprovideprobonoattorneys .“Theyhavebeenespeciallyhelpfultothesegrandparentsindealingwithcomplicatedlegalissues,”saidJoanneThomasoftheCentralIllinoisAAA .
TheUniversityofIllinoisExtensionServiceprovidesnutritionalcounselingatthesupportgroupsduringtheyear .Monthlycommunityspeakersprovideinformationtothegrandparentsatthesupportgroups .
TheannualChristmaspartyreachesroughly150grandparentsandgrandchildrenandgivesthemtheopportunityto“justbe”grandparentsinsteadof“parents”forafewhours .CIAA/Bradleyprovidestressmanagementsessionsforthegrandparentswhilevolunteerswatchthekidsswim,playbasketball,ordocraftsortumblingactivities .
CIAAhasconducteditssecond“CaregiverNiteOut”event,whichprovidedcaregiversandgrandparentsraisinggrandchildrenwithafreemeal,eveningentertainmentanddoorprizes .Theeventallowsthecaregiverstode-stressandrejuvenatethemselves .The“NiteOut”isfollowedbyaCaregiverConferencewith12breakoutsessionsofinformation,afreebreakfastandlunch,andakeynotespeaker .Thirty-plusinformationalboothsareavailableaswellasdoorprizes .A“one-stopshop”conceptaidscaregiversandgrandparentsraisinggrandchildreninaccessingavailableserviceswithoutspendingcountlesshoursresearchingresources .
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Peoria, Illinois
PlanningandServiceArea:urbanpopulationage60+:77,981Brookdalegrant:1996
Contact:
JoanneThomas/CathiSipesCentralIllinoisAgencyonAging,Inc .700HamiltonBlvd .Peoria,IL61603309-674-2071JThomas@ciaoa .comorcathi@ciaoa .com
A “one-stop shop” concept aids caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren in accessing available services without spending countless hours researching resources.
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 1�
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Key Partners:BradleyUniversity,BradleyHonorsFraternity,UniversityofIllinoisExtensionService,NeighborhoodHouse(afacilitythatprovideschildcareandsenioractivities),CIAAstaffvolunteersandfamilies,CallingConnectionNetwork(localagenciesandorganizationscommittedtoprovidingservicestofamilycaregivers),andPrairieStateLegal(providesfreelegalservicestoseniors)
Outcomes and Results:Supportgroupshaveservedgrandparentsfromsixcountieswithindividualcounselingandsupport .CounselorshavediscoveredotherunmetneedsandmadereferralsthroughtheFamilyCaregiverInforma-tionandAssistanceManagertootherlocalserviceproviders .
Replicability:Ifalocaluniversitywereavailabletopartnerwithaserviceprovider,thenthismodelwouldworkinanycommunitybymakinguseofsocialworker/counselor-basededucationalprogramsofstudy .Akeytosuccessisdoinghomeworktofindoutaboutavailableservicesintheareaandnetworkingwiththoseproviders .CIAAhascreatednewpartnershipswithavarietyofsocial,healthandeducationalentities .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,NationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram,andotherlocalgrants
Lessons Learned: 1) Expectthatitmaytaketimetomakeinroadsinruralareasorminoritycommunities .
2) Withcommunitiesofdifferentcultures,plantoworkwithsomeonewhospeaksthatlanguage .
3) Partnerwithalocaluniversitytoprovidecounselor-basededucationalprograms .
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TheMichiganOfficeofServicestotheAging(OSA)isinvolvedwithkinshipcareonbothanadministrativelevelandastheStateUnitforAgingforMichigan .AspartofimplementingtheNationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram(NFCSP),OSArequiredeachofthestate’s16AAAstoallocateaminimumof5%oftheir
TitleIII-Efunds,oraminimumof$25,000,tosupportgrandparentcaregiversintheirPSA .KinshipcaregiversareeligibletoreceivethesamefivecategoriesofserviceasanyothercaregiverservedthroughtheNFCSP .
Services:Communityservicesincludeinformationandassistance,supportgroups,counseling,andeducationalactivities .Allkinshipcarefamiliesareeligibletoparticipateregardlessofage .Respiteandsupplementalservicesareonlyavailabletokinshipcaregivers55yearsofageorolder .Whereavailable,fundingfromtheMichiganStrongFamilies/SafeChildrenInitiativesupplementsNFCSPfundsandcanbeusedtosupportrespiteservicesforkinshipcaregiversundertheageof55years .
Lansing, Michigan
PlanningandServiceArea:statewidepopulationage60+:1 .6millionBrookdalegrants:1996,2002
Contact:
BonnieRussellGrahamMichiganOfficeofServicestotheAgingP .O .Box30676Lansing,MI48909517-373-8230grahambon@michigan .gov
Kinship Care Program
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 1�
OSAalsoallocatesstateadministrativefundstosupporttheMichiganStateUniversitySchoolofSocialWorkKinshipCareResourceCenter .Thecenterprovidestechnicalassistancetogroupsacrossthestatethatareworkingtoservethispopulation,offersatoll-freelineforI&A,sponsorstraining,andadvocatesonbehalfofkinshipcarefamilies .PriortocreationoftheResourceCenter,OSAdirectlyprovidedtraininganddevelopedmaterialsinsupportofkinshipfamilies .
Key Partners:MichiganStateUniversitySchoolofSocialWorkKinshipCareResourceCenter,AreaAgenciesonAging,MichiganDepartmentofHumanServicesCounty-basedMulti-PurposeCollaborativeBodies,KinshipCareResourceCenter,NationalSeniorServiceCorps(FGP/RSVP),OSAFieldRepresentatives
Outcomes and Results:AllMichiganAAAshavesupportedservicesforkinshipcarefamilies .Approximately7%ofcaregiversservedthroughtheNationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram(NFCSP)inMichiganarekinshipcarefamilies .
Replicability:Networkingandsharingbestpracticeswithlocalserviceprovidersallowedservicestobereplicatedwithoutre-inventingthewheel .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,TitleIIIadministrationfunds,TitleIII-E/NFCSP,TANFfunds/Depart-mentofHumanServices,UnitedWay,privateandpublicfoundations,seniormillagefunds,localschooldistrictfunding,anddonatedgoodsandservices
Lessons Learned: 1) Allowlocalcommunitiestodeveloptheservicestheyfeelareneededratherthanmandatingaparticularservice .
2) Servekinshipfamiliesfromastrength-basedapproach .
3) UrgeAAAs,TitleVIprograms,andagingnetworkserviceproviderstoworkwithchildren-centeredorganiza-tionsandservicedeliverysystemstomeettheneedsofkinshipcarefamilies .
4) Approachtheprovisionofservicestokinshipcarefamiliesinruralareasdifferentlythanurbanareas .
Kinship Care Program
1�
TheAreaAgencyonAgingDistrict7Inc .(AAA7)RAPPprogramseekstoserverelativesraisinggrandchildreninseveralways,includingprovidinginformationandassistance,conductingsupportgroupmeetingsandsponsoringrecreationalactivities .Thegoalistoassistfamiliesbyprovidingsupportsothattheycankeep
providingcareinraisingtheirrelatedchildren .ThenatureofRioGrandeoffersuniquechallengestotheprogramintermsoffindingenoughvolunteerstosupporttheeffort .
Services:AAA7offersauniquesupportgroupthatbringstogetherAAAstaffandvolunteers,includinghighschoolseniorsinvolvedintheNationalHonorSocietyandFutureEducatorsofAmerica .Thestudentsvolunteertheirtimetoassistinprovidingorganizedactivitiestochildrenwhiletheircaregiversareinsupportgroupmeetings .Volunteersfromalocalchurchalsoassistwithchildcareservices .
Supportgroupmeetingsincludespeakerstalkingaboutmentalhealth,anddrugandalcoholabuse;educationaboutavailableservices;andtimetosharetheirfeelings,ideasandconcernswiththegrouporwiththeprogramcoordina-tors .Recreationalactivitiesareheldquarterlyforcaregiversandtheirchildren,includingpizzaparties,picnics,holidaypartiesandtripstothemovies .
TheRAPPprogramprovidesinformationandreferralonlegalservices,adoptionassistance,emergencyand/orpermanentcustody,respiteservices,recreationalactivities,educationalmaterials,Medicaid,andTANF(TemporaryAssistanceforNeedyFamilies) .Supportgroupmeetingsincludeamonthlydinnertowhichthechildrenareinvited .Thissharedmealoffersfamiliestheopportunitytobestrengthenedandtodeveloprelationshipswithotherkincarefamiliesinaninformalsetting .AAA7staffworkwithcommunitycorporationsandlocalrestaurantstooffsetthecostofthemonthlymeal .
Theprogramalsoofferslegalassistance,includingonlineProSe(self-representation)Legalpacketsforobtainingcustody,andmonthlycounselingonlegalaide,court-appointedattorneys,end-of-lifecareandotherissues .FamilyserviceagencyrepresentativesaddressMedicaidandfinancialservices .
Rio Grande, Ohio
PlanningandServiceArea:ruralpopulationage60+:74,272Brookdalegrant:2003
Contact:
MerrittSessor,CommunityServicesCoordinatorAreaAgencyonAgingDistrict7,Inc .F-32URG,P .O .Box500RioGrande,OH45674740-245-5306msessor@aaa7 .org
Kinship Navigation Program
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 19
Key Partners:LakesideCommunityChurch,NewBoston,Ohio;SciotoCountyFamilyandChildrenFirstCouncil;Children’sCommunityCollaborative;andSciotoCountyChildrenService
Outcomes and Results:TheprogramwasabletoobtainadditionalgrantsfromtheOhioChildren’sTrustFundtosustainthelocalsupportgroup .Supportgroupmembersreportthatthemeetingshavehelpedthemtofeelliketheyhadmorecontrolovertheirlives,becomemoreconfidentintheircaregivingrole,relyoneachotherforsupport,andbuiltfriendshipsoutsideofthesupportgroup .
Replicability:Toenhancereplicationofaprogram,theAAArecommendsdevelopingEmergencyCareKitscontain-ingdonatedschoolsuppliesandcomfortbearsforkinshipcaregivers;andholdingsilentauctionstoraisefundsfromthecommunity .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,OhioChildren’sTrustFund,AAA7AnnualSilentAuction,communitydonations,NationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram
Lessons Learned: 1) Constantlyseekoutdonations,grantsandcommunitysupporttohelpsustainthesupportgroup .
2) Identifyprofessionalvolunteerstoassistchildrenwitheducationaltutoringandotherneededservices .
3) Establishandempowerasupportgroupleadershipcounciltocontrolandoverseemeetings .
Kinship Navigation Program
The RAPP program provides information and referral on legal services, adoption assistance, emergency and/or permanent custody, respite services, recreational activities, educational materials, Medicaid, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
20
TheTexomaKincareProjectinitiatedapilottherapeuticcounselingprogramtargetinggrandparentswhowereraisinggrandchildren,butwereunabletopayforprivatecounselingorqualify(basedonageorincome)fornonprofitorpublicservices .
Thisthree-countyareahasahigherpercentage(20 .2%)ofolderadultsage60+thantherestofthestate,andatleastonecountyhasaveryhighnumberofchildprotectiveserviceinvestigations .Censusdatafrom2000showthatgrandparentcaregiverscompriseabout14%oftheage65+populationintheTexomaregion .
Services:Theproject,facilitatedbyalicensedprofessionalcounselor,offersgrandparents12therapeuticsessionstoaddresscomplexandemotionalissues .Topicsaddressedthegrandparents’owngriefduetoloss,angerandguilt .Griefcounselingtopicscovered:
1) Lossofself-confidenceinabilitiesasaparentandgrandparent .
2) Lossofrelationshipwithspouseandinabilitytofulfilltheirownmarriage .
3) Lossofananticipatedretirementlifestyle,socialactivitiesandfriendshipsduetonewparentingdemands .
4) Lossofincomesavedforlong-termhealthneedsduetounforeseenchildcare,medicalandlegalexpensesforthegrandchild .
5) Grieffrominabilitytoraisetheirownchildtobecomearesponsibleandlovingparent .
6) Grieffrominabilitytohave“normal”grandchildrelationshipsduetoparentinganddisciplinaryroles .
7) Angerdemonstratedbythegrandchildasaresultoflossofparentsandlossofa“normal”childhood .
8) Lossofpersonalhealthandwell-beingduetoparentingdemands .
9) Angertowardthechildarisingoutoftheselosses .
10) Skillsneededtocopeanddealwithidentifiedloss,guiltandanger .
11) Techniquesthatcanbeincorporatedtomaintainemotionalandphysicalhealthinordertocontinuetocareforthegrandchildaslongaspossible .
12) Methodstopreparethegrandchildforfuturelosswhenthegrandparentswillnolongerhavethecapacitytomaintainaparentingrole .
Sherman, Texas
PlanningandServiceArea:rural/urbanpopulationage60+:32,550Brookdalegrant:2004
Contact:
JanisThompson,DirectorAreaAgencyonAgingandDisabilityServicesofTexoma1117Gallagher,Suite200Sherman,TX75090903-813-3505jthompson@Texoma .cog .tx .us
Texoma Kincare Project
Census data from 2000 show that grandparent caregivers comprise about 14% of the age 65+ population in the Texoma region.
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 21
Key Partners:Schoolcounselors,attorneys,medicalsocialworkers,stateagenciesinvolvedinchildren’sservices,andlocalnonprofitserviceprovidersofferingcounselingforchildren .Licensedprofessionalcounselors(LPCs)areencouragedtoofferprobonoservicestoreferredgrandparents,screenedbytheAAAcaregiverspecialist .
Outcomes and Results:ParticipantsintheMentalWellnessProjectagreedthattheyaremuchbetterabletocopewiththeirfeelingsthanpriortotheproject .TheAustinCollegeSociologyDepartmentiscurrentlyconductingresearchontheoutcomesforparticipantswhotookpartinthetherapeuticprogram,ascomparedtograndparentswhodidnotparticipate .
Replicability:Theprogramcanbeeasilyreplicatedinanyarea .IthasatrainingcurriculumforLPCsdesignedtomakethemmoreawareandsensitizedtothecomplexemotionalissuesrelatingtokinshipcare .TheinfrastructureforcounselingsupportworksbestbysettingupaprobonopanelofLPCswillingtodonateonetothreehourspermonthtonewgrandparentsraisinggrandchildren .Inthiscase,theLPCfacilitatorwentbeforeseveralprofessionalgroupstoofferprofessionalawarenesstrainingandrecruitedherpeerstoassistinthisproject .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,TitleIII-EOlderAmericansAct/NationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram
Lessons Learned: 1) Provideeveninggrouptherapysessionstoaccommodateworkinggrandparents . 2) Providesimultaneousplaytherapysessionsforgrandchildrenatthesamelocation .
Texoma Kincare Project
22
TheNorthwestRegionalCouncil’sRAPP,partoftheAreaAgencyonAgingforNorthwestWashington,focusesonprovidinginformation,supportsandservicestoNativeAmericangrandparentsraisinggrandchil-dren .Thetwoprincipalcomponentsofthisprogramarelegalservicesandsupportgroupsforgrandparents
raisinggrandchildren .
ThisRAPPprogramservesallsixfederallyrecognizedtribesinNorthwestWashington:LummiNation,Nooksack,Samish,Sauk-Suiattle,SwinomishandUpperSkagit .Inaddition,severalactivitieshavealsoincludedtheTulalipTribe .
Bellingham, Washington
PlanningandServiceArea:urban/ruralpopulationage60+:61,603Brookdalegrant:2003
Contact:
SharonWolfNorthwestRegionalCouncil600LakewayDr .Bellingham,WA98225360-676-6749WolfSL@dshs .wa .gov
Kinship Care Program
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 2�
Kinship Care Program
Theprogramprovidesinformationandassistanceandoutreachtoeldersineachtribalcommunity .Thecoordinatoralsospendstimewithtribalstaffathealthclinics,seniormealsites,socialworkofficesandinthecourtstolocateelderswhomayneedassistanceandservices .
Services:Servicesincludeinformationandoutreachregardinggrandparentsraisinggrandchildren,andtraining .
ThroughRAPPfunding,theNorthwestRegionalCouncilofferedtwoday-longconferencesongrandparentsraisinggrandchildrenintribalcommunities .OneconferencefocusedontheIndianChildWelfareAct,itsintentandeffectongrandparentsraisinggrandchildren .Thesecondconferencefocusedonnutritionandotherparentingissuesforgrandparentsraisinggrandchildren .
In2003,theNorthwestRegionalCouncildevelopeda“LegalGuideforGrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren .”ThisresourcehasbeenwidelydistributedthroughoutWashingtonStateandtoseveralotherstatesthathaverequestedthem .Theguidediscussesdifferentlegalcategoriesandstepsthatgrandparentsmaywishtoexploresuchasguard-ianship,fosterparenting,adoptionandinformalcare .Inaddition,theguidesummarizeskeyaspectsoftheIndianChildWelfareActandhowthisactaffectskinshipcare .
Onseveraldifferentoccasions,supportgroupsfortribalgrandparentsraisinggrandchildrenhavebeenstarted .Challengesincludefindingappropriateandavailablemeetingspace,aswellaschildcare,sothatthegrandparentscanattend .
Key Partners:WashingtonDepartmentofSocialandHealthServices,andthesixfederallyrecognizedtribesinNorthwestWashingtonplustheTulalipTribe
Outcomes and Results:Thisprojecthasproducedtworegionalconferencesandalegalresourcesguidebook .Inaddition,depthhasbeenaddedtooutreachtothesixfederallyrecognizedtribesintheformofrecognition,informationandresourcesforgrandparentsraisinggrandchildren .
Replicability:ThekeyelementsthatmakethisprojectworkarestaffandcooperativerelationshipsbetweentheNorthwestRegionalCouncilandtribalcommunitiesintheregion .ReplicatingservicescouldbeaccomplishedbecausetheTribalOutreachCoordinatorhasdocumentedworkonthisprogram .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,KinshipCare,NationalFamilyCaregiverSupportProgram
Lessons Learned: 1) Haveaconsistentlyavailable,centrallylocatedmeetingplaceforsupportgroupsforgrandparentsraising
grandchildren .
2) Provideweekendrespiteopportunitiescompletewithchildcareandfamilyactivitiesthatarefreeorlowcost .
The RAPP serves all six federally recognized tribes in Northwest Washington: Lummi Nation, Nooksack, Samish, Sauk-Suiattle, Swinomish and Upper Skagit.
24
TheAreaVIAgencyonAging/EICAP(EastIdahoSpecialServicesAgency,Inc .)provides“comprehensivesupportiveservices”torelativesofallagesraisingchildren,despitelimitedfunding .TheAreaAgencyonAgingsaiditoffers“astrong,consistentsupportgroup”inIdahoFalls;however,itdoesnothavethe
resourcestooffersupportiveservicesinotherareas .
Services:Inadditiontothesupportgroup,RAPPservicesincludeanannualLegislativeForumwithstatelegislators,attorneysandjudges,wholistentotheconcernsofthegrandparentsabouttheirlackofrightsinthestateofIdaho;adirectory;andaresourcelibraryofbooksgrandparentscancheckout .Thereisalsoawell-attendedannualpartyandpicnic,whichhelptobringinthosegrandparentswhoarenotabletogotosupportgroupmeetings .TheAAAalsohassponsoredaLegalSummit .
TheRAPPprogramconductedapilotprojectwiththeDepartmentofHealthandWelfarecalledtheFosterCarePRIDEProgram .Itusedanationalcurriculum,“ParentResourcesforInformation,DevelopmentandEducation,”tocertifyFosterFamiliesinIdaho .Itrevisedthecurriculumtobettermeettheneedsofgrandparentsraisinggrandchil-dren .Thereareninemonthlysessions,whichincludeafreedinner .TheDepartmentofHealthandWelfareprovidesthemanuals,trainingmaterialsandtheinstructor .AUniversityofIdahoprofessor,andseveraltrainedgrandparentparticipantstoteachtheclasses .
“Wehavelearnedalotthisyear,andhopetomakeitevenbetternextyear,”explainedEmilyHoytfromtheAreaVIAAA .“Thisisatime-consumingprojectforallandrequiresacommitmentfromthegrandparentsaswell .”Sheadded,“Iwouldliketofindfundingtoprovidechildcarenextyear .”
TheAAAhasencouragedtheinvolvementofotherorganizations,suchastheIdahoVolunteerLawyersprogram .
Key Partners:TheGrandparentsRaisingGrandchildren(GRG)CommunityAdvisoryCouncilincludesrepresentativesfromtheCommunityServicesDirectorforEasternIdahoCommunityActionPartnership,ChildrenandFamilyServices
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Idaho Falls, Idaho
PlanningandServiceArea:ruralpopulationage60+:21,800Brookdalegrant:2003
Contact:
EmilyHoytAreaVIAgencyonAging/EICAPP .O .Box51098IdahoFalls,ID83405208-522-5391ehoyt@eicap .org
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 2�
Department,fostercare,childprotection,HeadStart,aswellasschoolcounselors,attorneys,localcongressionalstaffer,clinicaltherapist,retiredteachersandgrandparents .ItisparticipatinginapilotprojectwithIdahoLegalAidandtheIdahoBarAssociationtoprovidelegalguidanceandeducation .
Outcomes and Results:“Theexperiencedsupportgroupmembersnetworkingwithnewparticipantsistrulyasuccess,”Hoytexplained .Thepracticedgrandparent-caregiverssharetheirexpertiseandknowledgewithothers .“Theyhavethegiftoffirst-handknowledgeindealingwithallthefrustrationsbothlegalandemotional,andtheexperiencetohaveacalmingeffectongrandparentsjuststartingtheirnewroleofparentingagain .”
Replicability:Thekeyelementstoreplicatingthisprogramaretounderstandexistingresources,potentialclientsandthecommunity .Itisalsoessentialtoeducatethecommunityabouttheissue .“YouMUSTbeastrongadvocatetogetthemessageacrossandbedeterminedtomakeadifference,”Hoytsaid .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,NationalFamilyCaregiverServiceProgram,DepartmentofHealthandWelfare,CaseyFamilyProgramandAARP
Lessons Learned: 1) Beastrongadvocatefortheprogramandeducatethecommunityabouttheissue .
2) Bepersistent .
3) Rememberthatchallengingotherscanhelptheprogramsucceed .
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
26
TheArrowheadAreaAgencyonAgingisoneofseveralagenciesengagedinacollaborativeefforttodevelopaRAPPprograminDuluth,Minnesota,thatbeganin2001 .SincetheinceptionofRAPP,theAAA’srolehasprimarilyrelatedtoassistancewithgroupfacilitation,planningandgrantwriting .
Services:Afterayearofplanning,theKinshipCaregiverCoalition,withtheAAAastheapplicant,receivedBrookdaleFoundationfundingtoimplementa“DuluthAreaRelativesasParentsProgram .”Thefocusoftheprogramwasto:1)developacentralpointofexpertiseandadvocacyforkinshipcaregivingfamiliesintheDulutharea,2)improvekinshipcaregivers’accesstoqualifiedlegaladviceandrepresentation,3)increasetheacceptanceandsupportforkinshipfamiliesbyprofessionalsandthebroadercommunity,and4)betteraddresstheemotionalneedsofthechildrencaredforbykinshipcaregivers .
Aprogramcoordinator,employedandsupervisedbyanotherCoalitionmember,washiredtodirecttheprogramworkplan .Theworkplancalledforprovisionofdirectservicestokinshipcaregivers(one-to-one),includinginforma-tion,education,referraltoothercommunityservices,monthlysupportgroupandeducationalmeetingsforkinshipcaregivers,educationalforumsonlegalissues,presentationstoorganizationsandagenciestoinformthemabouttheprogramandissuesfacedbykinshipcaregivers,andprogrammingforchildrenbeingraisedinkinshipfamiliestoaddresstheiremotionalneeds .
Key Partners:LegalAidServices,LutheranSocialServices,parishnurses,grandparentsandotherrelativesraisinggrandchildren,DuluthFamilyServicesCollaborativeandtheCountySocialServicesagency .Outreachwasdirectedtoschools,publichealth,mentalhealthcrisisstaff,earlychildhoodeducationprograms,churchesandthecriminaljusticesystem .
Outcomes and Results:Theprogramhasprovidedmonthlysupport/educationmeetingsforkinshipcaregivers;educationalforumsonthelegalissuesinvolvedinkinshipcaregiving;advocacy,information/referralassistanceser-vicestoindividualswhoarecaringfortheirrelatives;andcommunityeducationontheissuesofkinshipcaregiving .FindingadequatefundstosustaintheDuluthprogramprovedtobedifficult .Theprogramexperiencedsetbacksasbudgetswerereducedandtheagencyemployingtheprogramcoordinatorexperiencedmajorreorganization .TheprogramhassincebeenspunofftoanotheragencyfundedthroughtheMinnesotaKinshipCaregiverAssociation—astate-levelrecipientofOlderAmericansActfundingforthispurpose .Thegeographicserviceboundaryhasalsochangedtoencompassamuchlargerarea .
Replicability:Thisprogramcanbestbereplicatedbyapproachingitasacoalitionofcommunityproviders .Aswithanynewserviceprogram,earlychallengesincludedconcretelydefiningtheservicestobeoffered,anddoingtheper-petualoutreachandeducationneededtobuildagoodreferralnetworktotheprogram .Eventhoughthestrategiesforoutreachweresolidandexecutedaccordingtoplan,referralstotheprogramwereslowerthananticipated .
Duluth, Minnesota
PlanningandServiceArea:ruralpopulationage60+:68,350Brookdalegrant:2002
Contact:
CindyConkinsArrowheadAreaAgencyonAging221WestFirstStreetDuluth,MN55802218-722-5545cconkins@ardc .org
Duluth Area Relatives as Parents Program
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 2�
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,OlderAmericansActandin-kindcontributionsfrominterestedpersonsandorganizations
Lessons Learned:1) Collaboratewithasmanycommunityserviceprovidersaspossible .
2) Educationalforumsshouldrespondtotheidentifiedneedsinyourarea .
3) Recognizethatconstantfundraisingwillbearequirementforanysuccessfulprogram .
Duluth Area Relatives as Parents Program
2�
TheMACAreaAgencyonAging’sRAPPhasbeeninoperationinWicomicoCounty,sinceJune2005 .Thegoalsareto:1)establishaRAPPsupportgroup,2)organizearesourceadvisorygrouptoincluderepresenta-tivesfromsocialservice,elderlypeers,civicorganizationsandeducationalagencies,toensurecooperation
andcollaboration,and3)increasecommunityawarenessofolderadultkinshipcaregiverconcernssuchasincomeandhealthhardships,children’swellbeing,serviceneeds,andstateandlocalpolicies .
Services:InFY2005,theprogramworkedtorecruit,serveandprovideanavenueforgrandparentandrelativecaregiverstoobtainsupportinapeersettingandlearnfromtheexperiencesofothers .Itestablishedlinkswithcommunityresources,brainstormedtolearntopicsofimportancetorelativecaregivers(suchasdealingwithdisruptivebehavior),andprovidedself-careactivitiestoboosttheirself-esteem .AsanAreaAgencyonAging,MAChasnumerousprogrammaticresources,whichhavehelpedtoenhanceandcomplimenttheRAPPinitiative .
Tohelplaunchtheprogram,RAPPbrochureswereplacedinsocialserviceagencies,medicalcentersanddistributedtochurches;flierswerehandedoutatcivicevents,healthfairsandinteragencymeetings;andpressreleasesweresenttotwomediaresources .A“Let’sGetAcquaintedDay”washeldatthelibraryforrelativecaregiversandtheirchildren .Asummerfundayatawater/amusementparkwassponsoredbytheprogramallowingchildrenandfamilycaregiverstoparticipateinafuneventthattheyotherwisecouldnothaveafforded .
RAPPsupportgroupmeetingsareheldmonthly,andtheAdvisoryResourceCommitteemeetsquarterly .Meetingnoticesaresentoutmonthlytopotentialparticipants;however,attendanceingroupscanbelow(sixto10persons)andturnoverishigh .Thisproblemwasaddressedbylaunchingtelephoneconferencingtodealwithimmediateconcernsandstayincontactwiththecaregiver .Majorconcernsofcaregiversarefinancialhelp,dealingwithchildren’shealthandwellbeing,andmentalhealthissues .Ahighpercentageofthechildrenhaveattentiondeficithyperactivitydisorderand/orbi-polardisorder .Day-to-dayproblemsrangefromproblemspayingutilitiestoacaseofbankruptcy .Informationandreferralresourcesareavitalservicelink .
Key Partners:PartnershipforFamiliesandChildren/WicomicoHousingManagementBoard,MarylandCoalitionofMentalHealth/WicomicoDepartmentofHealth,UniversityofMarylandEasternShoreCooperativeExtension,KinshipCare/WicomicoDepartmentofHumanServices,SalisburyUniversity’sConflictResolutionCenterandBEACONGrayShoreCoalition,HeadStart–ShoreUp!CommunityActionAgency,andWicomicoCountyLibrary
Salisbury, Maryland
PlanningandServiceArea:ruralpopulationage60+:51,517Brookdalegrant:2005
Contact:
HelenLJohnsonMACIncorporated—AreaAgencyonAging1504RiversideDriveSalisbury,MD21801410-742-0505hlj1@macinc .org
MAC Relatives as Parents Program
Major concerns of caregivers are financial help, dealing with children’s health and well being, and mental health issues. A high percentage of the children served have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or bi-polar disorder.
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children 29
Outcomes and Results:Anevaluationoftheprogramfoundthat1)severalsocialservice,medicalandhealthagenciesservethesameclients;2)eachagencyhasscheduledmonthlymeetings,manyintheevening;3)relativecaregiversarereluctanttogooutatnight;and4)oldercaregivers’personalhealthproblemsdeterminetheirabilitytoattendmeetings .Futureeffortswillbetocollaboratewithoneormoreexistinggroupstohavejointmeetings .Grandparent/relativecaregiverissueswerepresentedatalegislativeforumwithelectedofficials .
Replicability:Servicescanbeeasilyreplicated;however,itisimportancetodevelopprogramactivitiesaroundtheimmediateneedsoftheclientele .Thatmeansconductingresearchtodeterminewhatservicesareavailable .
Funding Sources:BrookdaleRAPPSeedGrant,OlderAmericanActIII-E,stateandlocalfunding
Lessons Learned: 1) Plancarefullybeforerushingtosetupasupportgrouporprovideservices .
2) Doresearchtoseeifotherlocalagenciesarealreadyprovidingsimilarservices .Attendtheirmeetingsandgettoknowtheirclientswhoarerelativecaregivers .
3) Lookforstrongcommunityleaderswhocanhelpexpandyourprogram .
4) Recognizethatmanyethnicgroupstendtoshyawayfromsupportgroupmeetings .Keepinmindthatcommunitiesaredifferent .Whatworkedinoneareamightnotworkinanother .
MAC Relatives as Parents Program
�0
Conclusion
WehopethatthisguidebookhasprovidedvaluableideasforyouandyourcolleaguestocreateandoperateRelativesasParentsProgramsthatwillservegrandparentsandotherrelativeswhohavetakenontheresponsibilityofsurrogateparenting .Thisisanissuethatcrossesgenerations,andbindsthemtogether .
Clearly,theinnovativeprogramsportrayedinthisdocumentcanbeeasilyreplicated .Themostsuccessfulprojectsarebuiltuponcarefulresearchandplanning,communityeducation,andworkingwithcoalitionslongbeforeactuallylaunchingaRAPPprogram .Sponsorsneedtoestablishcredibilityandtrustwithgrandparentsandthecommunity .Thismaybehardertodoinruralareasorwhenworkingwithminoritypopulationsthattendtoshyawayfromsupportgroupsandotherservices .
TheagingnetworkiswellpositionedtooperateorworkwithRAPPprograms .AnAreaAgencyonAging,orTitleVINativeAmericanagingprogramwithitshostofresourcesreadilyavailablefortheolderrelativecaregiver,cangreatlyenhanceaRAPPprogram’ssuccess .TheseresourcesincludeNationalFamilyCaregiversSupportProgramfunding,nutritionservices,seniorcenterandsupportiveservices,casemanagement,wellnessprograms,transportationassistance,andinformationandreferral .
AAAsandTitleVIprogramsalsohaveestablishednetworksandrelationshipswithothercommunityorganizationsthatcanbenefittherelativecaregiver .Tobesuccessful,theagingnetworkwillneedtobecomemorefamiliarwithservicestoassistchildrenandyouth,justaschildren’sorganizationsneedtolearnmoreaboutresourcestoassistseniorsandcaregivers .Thecombinationoftheseresourcescanonlybeawin-winforrelativecaregivers .
RAPPsponsorsalsoneedtokeepinmindtheindividualityoftheircommunityandrememberthatwhatworksinoneareamaynotworkinanother .Severalprogramshaveenlistedtheresourcesandskillsoftheirlocaluniversitiesorcolleges .Inruralareas,transportationmaybeachallengethatwillneedtobeovercome .
Feelfreetousethesemodelsasatemplateforbuildingyourownprogramtoencourageandpromotethecreationorexpansionofservicesforgrandparentsandotherrelatives .
AspointedoutbyMountainEmpireOlderCitizens,Inc .(MEOC),BigStoneGap,Virginia,successfulreplicationrequiresawidearrayofactivelyinvolvedpartnersandastaffcommittedtothinking“outsideofthebox .”MEOCsaysthekeyelementsforreplicationinclude:1)embracingintergenerationalprogramming,2)havinganextensivecasemanagementdepartment,3)seeingpeopleasfriends,neighborsandfriends,andnotjustas“clients,”4)lookingatneedsidentifiedbytherelativecaregiversandnotjustwhatprofessionalsthinktheyneed,and5)providingtransportationtoprograms .
Wewishyouluckinyourendeavors!
Feel free to use these models as a template for building your own program to encourage and promote the creation or expansion of services for grandparents and other relatives.
Promising Practices in Encouraging & Supporting Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children �1
For additional information, contact:
NationalAssociationofAreaAgenciesonAging(n4a)
1730RhodeIslandAvenue,N .W .
Suite1200
Washington,D .C .20036
202-872-0888
www .n4a .org
Thisreportisalsoavailableinpdfformatat:
www .brookdalefoundation .org
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)
1730 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W.
Suite 1200
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-872-0888
www.n4a.org
©May,2007
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