GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN PROGRAM
Illinois, USA.
Program Description
“Grandparents and other relatives often begin caring for children with little or no warning or preparation.”
“Many children suffer from severe physical, emotional and behavioral problems which make caregiving difficult.”
“Many relatives provide care for children without legal custody or guardianship. Litigation is costly. Many legal assistance agencies do not litigate family law cases. Many relatives do not pursue custody or guardianship for financial reasons or out of fear of angering the parent(s) and losing their relationship with the child(ren). Without legal custody or guardianship the relative caregiver may have difficulty enrolling the child in school, obtaining medical information or treatment, or accessing benefits for the child.”
- www2.illinois.gov
The Illinois Department on Aging’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program can provide older adults caring for grandchildren with the following assistance:
- Free assistive devices.
- Home modification.
- Legal assistance.
- Transportation.
- School supplies.
- Counseling Support groups.
- Caregiver training.
- Information and referral assistance.
Grandparents may find themselves in the role of caregiving for their grandchildren or other kin due to the following circumstances:
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
- Neglect, Abuse, and Abandonment.
- Death of a Parent.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Divorce.
- Unemployment / Poverty.
- Parental Incarceration.
- Teen Pregnancy.
- Welfare Reform.
Affordable or appropriate housing for older adults caring for a grandchild may be an issue due to lack of space, location to schools, safety and other issues.
School enrollment and a grandchild’s healthcare may also cause challenges due a relative’s lack of proof of legal guardianship or associated schooling costs.
Children’s health issues may be challenging and impacted by prenatal drug or alcohol exposure, sexual and/or physical abuse, or feelings of abandonment causing emotional and behavioral problems.
source: www2.illinois.gov
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