Resources
Below you will find a list of resources on a state by state basis. These organizations specifically address the needs and issues associated with kinship care and grandfamilies. I will continue to update the listings as I learn of additional programs and organizations. I cannot attest to the validity or reputations of these organizations, so please use them as a guide and apply your best judgement when providing them sensitive information. I hope my readers are able to use this list to gain support and legal advice on their journeys. Good luck to each of you and to those little people in your care.
Additional support groups can be found through the AARP Grandparent Information Center Database.
Call 1-800-424-3410,
e-mail information requests to gic@aarp.org.
Additional support groups can be found through the AARP Grandparent Information Center Database.
Call 1-800-424-3410,
e-mail information requests to gic@aarp.org.
Alabama
The Kinshare Program - (334) 242-1979 (provides referrals to financial, legal, medical, and mental health support services).
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System-Family and Human Services Division - (256) 858-4960 (provides financial support and educational services).
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System-Family and Human Services Division - (256) 858-4960 (provides financial support and educational services).
Alaska
No Empty Nest - (907) 279-9646 or voaak@ak.net (provides a monthly newsletter, support groups, and individual counseling for kinship care families in the Anchorage area).
Arizona
Project GrandCare - (602) 274-5022 ext. 44 (program is for grandparents raising grandchildren).
Grandparents United for Children's Rights - (520)-774-4884 (Tuson & Phoenix).
Grandparents United for Children's Rights - (520)-774-4884 (Tuson & Phoenix).
Arkansas
Alternative Caregiver's Support Group - (501) 660-6886, ext. 3121 (Pulaski County) (provides weekly support groups for caregivers, respite activities,
legal education and services for income-eligible families, case management, and public advocacy, access to children and family mental health services, a free resource handbook for kinship caregivers throughout the state and referrals to other groups across the state).
Family Matters - (501) 660-6886, ext. 3121 (works with incarcerated mothers, their children, and the current caregivers of those children. Services include crisis intervention, individual and family counseling, intensive case management services, therapeutic groups for children, support groups and parenting education for caregivers, transportation, and child care at group sessions)
legal education and services for income-eligible families, case management, and public advocacy, access to children and family mental health services, a free resource handbook for kinship caregivers throughout the state and referrals to other groups across the state).
Family Matters - (501) 660-6886, ext. 3121 (works with incarcerated mothers, their children, and the current caregivers of those children. Services include crisis intervention, individual and family counseling, intensive case management services, therapeutic groups for children, support groups and parenting education for caregivers, transportation, and child care at group sessions)
California
Grandparents as Parents (“GAP”) - (818) 789-1177 or (714) 761-2231 (monthly newsletter, sponsors family outings, educational workshops, maintains a clothing exchange and referrals).
Colorado
Statewide Resource Guide - http://www.nsatraininginstitute.org/kinship.htm The Resource Guide contains helpfulful information
for caregivers caring for children (with or without legal custody) and those caring for children in the custody of the Department of Human
Services. Provies local and statewide information on organizations and programs. Information on benefits, legal options, educational access, medical and mental health services, child care, support groups, foster care and adoption.
The Grandparents Resource Center - (303) 980-5707 or GRC4USA@aol.com (provides educational and informational programs to kinship caregivers
in the Denver area. Also offers Pro Se Litigation training for kinship caregivers representing themselves in court).
for caregivers caring for children (with or without legal custody) and those caring for children in the custody of the Department of Human
Services. Provies local and statewide information on organizations and programs. Information on benefits, legal options, educational access, medical and mental health services, child care, support groups, foster care and adoption.
The Grandparents Resource Center - (303) 980-5707 or GRC4USA@aol.com (provides educational and informational programs to kinship caregivers
in the Denver area. Also offers Pro Se Litigation training for kinship caregivers representing themselves in court).
Connecticut
Connecticut Legal Services - (860) 447-0323 x109 or ksears@connlegalservices.org (offers legal education and outreach to support groups for kinship care families, and individual legal representation and advice to eligible kinship care families across Connecticut in the areas of family, housing, SSI, public benefits, special education, and elder law.
Parents the Second Time Around Program - (860) 953-0641 ext. 10 or milagros_johnson@use.salvationarmy.org (provides support groups, educational workshops,
counseling and case management services, respite, family recreation, and a monthly newsletter).
Parents the Second Time Around Program - (860) 953-0641 ext. 10 or milagros_johnson@use.salvationarmy.org (provides support groups, educational workshops,
counseling and case management services, respite, family recreation, and a monthly newsletter).
Delaware
Children & Families First - (302) 658-5177 or wadine.toliaferro@cffde.org (provides grandparent/relative caregiver support groups throughout the state).
Joining Generations - (302) 577-4791 ext. 15 or cboyer@de.state.us (provides information and referrals, workshops, and
community outreach).
Joining Generations - (302) 577-4791 ext. 15 or cboyer@de.state.us (provides information and referrals, workshops, and
community outreach).
Florida
The Florida Kinship Center - 1-(800) 640-6444 or kinfo@flkin.org or log on to http://www.flkin.org The Kinship Care Warmline (1-800-640-6444) provides emotional support, information and referrals for caregivers statewide. It is available from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday and messages can be left 24 hours a day. The Warmline links caregivers to community resources such as support groups, child care, health care, transportation, and financial assistance.
Florida Legal Services, Inc. - (850) 385-7900 or http://www.floridalegal.org A legal support center working to ensure that people with low-incomes (including relative caregivers) have access to civil legal services statewide.
Florida Legal Services, Inc. - (850) 385-7900 or http://www.floridalegal.org A legal support center working to ensure that people with low-incomes (including relative caregivers) have access to civil legal services statewide.
Georgia
Project Healthy Grandparents - (404) 651-0341or jperdue@gsu.edu or visit http://www.gsu.edu/hgrandpar (Fulton and Dekalb Counties) offers multiple services to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of grandparents raising grandchildren. (provides home visits by a registered nurse and social worker, monthly grandparent support groups, parent education classes, transportation to meetings, a Saturday Youth Academy for grandchildren, early intervention services, and legal services referrals.
The Relative Caregiver Program - (229) 931-5138 or lgw@canes.gsw.edu (provides case management services, home health care
evaluations, information and referrals services, support groups, parent education, parent/child group activities, and other supports to relatives
caring for children of family members).
The Relative Caregiver Program - (229) 931-5138 or lgw@canes.gsw.edu (provides case management services, home health care
evaluations, information and referrals services, support groups, parent education, parent/child group activities, and other supports to relatives
caring for children of family members).
Hawaii
Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Center’s - (808) 847-1302 or purieff@qlcc.org serves “orphaned and destitute” children of Hawaiian descent, including those children who are living with kin because their parents cannot care for them. (Provides support groups, referral services, and grandparent training).
Na Keiki Law Center - (808) 536-3413 or annabel@vlsh.org Offers direct representation for caregivers, Guardian Ad Litem representation of minors, and referrals for pro bono counsel (provides guidance to caregivers on establishing legal relationships with the children in their care via guardianship, adoption, or family agreement).
Na Keiki Law Center - (808) 536-3413 or annabel@vlsh.org Offers direct representation for caregivers, Guardian Ad Litem representation of minors, and referrals for pro bono counsel (provides guidance to caregivers on establishing legal relationships with the children in their care via guardianship, adoption, or family agreement).
Idaho
Grandparents as Parents (GAP) - (208)-362-4126 or (208)-869-7574 or (208)-362-5659 or GAP_Boise@go.com (monthly newsletter, sponsors family outings, educational workshops, maintains a clothing exchange and referrals).
Illinois
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Project - (217) 524-5327 or bschwart@age084r1.state.il.us (provides information, resources, and referrals to grandparents and other relative caregivers).
The Senior Help Line - 1-800-252-8966 (provides a single contact point for grandparents and other relatives raising children).
Starting Points for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - http://www.ebvonline.org/starting.pdf (downloadable state resource guide for kinship families).
The Senior Help Line - 1-800-252-8966 (provides a single contact point for grandparents and other relatives raising children).
Starting Points for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - http://www.ebvonline.org/starting.pdf (downloadable state resource guide for kinship families).
Indiana
Relatives as Parents (RAPP) State Initiative Program - 1-800-545-7763 or http://www.in.gov.fssa or http://www.cfs.purdue.edu/extension (provides information on education, finances, legal services, medical consent, medical services, mental health, and tips for working with agencies).
Iowa
Iowa Task Force on Relatives as Parents Statewide Initiative - (515) 281-3974 or bbennett@dhs.state.ia.us (provides advocacy, guidance, and information for relative
caregivers across the state).
Relatives as Parents Program - (563) 263-9996 or dbroderson@muscatiney.org (provides monthly support group, individual and group counseling, educational seminars, group recreational activities, legal and medical guidance, recreational services to relative caregivers, services are free of charge, open to the public, and include free child care and transportation to all meetings).
caregivers across the state).
Relatives as Parents Program - (563) 263-9996 or dbroderson@muscatiney.org (provides monthly support group, individual and group counseling, educational seminars, group recreational activities, legal and medical guidance, recreational services to relative caregivers, services are free of charge, open to the public, and include free child care and transportation to all meetings).
Kansas
Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) - (316) 942-4261 X232 or bjgore@kcsl.org (provides referrals to its network of support groups statewide, offers parenting education classes for relative caregivers, foster caregiver training, kinship care resource materials, and a crisis hotline, offers legal assistance, assists kinship care families to apply for financial and medical services and locating discounts and donations).
Caring and Sharing Grandparents, Inc. - (620) 663-4134, or grandmajem@prodigy.net advocacy and support group in Hutchinson. (provides support groups on topics such as raising grandchildren, grandparents who have been denied visitation, and grandparents caring for children with special needs, parenting classes for grandparents and other relative caregivers, legal and counseling referral services, guest lectures, and a monthly newsletter on the topic of grandparenting and grandparent custody issues.
Caring and Sharing Grandparents, Inc. - (620) 663-4134, or grandmajem@prodigy.net advocacy and support group in Hutchinson. (provides support groups on topics such as raising grandchildren, grandparents who have been denied visitation, and grandparents caring for children with special needs, parenting classes for grandparents and other relative caregivers, legal and counseling referral services, guest lectures, and a monthly newsletter on the topic of grandparenting and grandparent custody issues.
Kentucky
Kentucky KinCare Project - (502) 564-6930 or bill.montgomery@mail.state.ky.us (provides referrals to support groups within specific state regions, education, legal, health, and financial referrals to the caregivers).
Louisiana
Second Time Around - (225) 923-8000 ext. 220, or (225) 923-8000 ext. 248. (provides workshops on mentoring, child well-being, substance abuse, and conflict resolution).
The Extra Mile – Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - (337) 237-0508 (serves Lafayette and eight neighboring parishes, supports kinship care families through public workshops, and a network of support groups, provides respite care, organizing child care swaps between grandparents, an information line, resource library, and newsletter).
The Extra Mile – Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - (337) 237-0508 (serves Lafayette and eight neighboring parishes, supports kinship care families through public workshops, and a network of support groups, provides respite care, organizing child care swaps between grandparents, an information line, resource library, and newsletter).
Maine
Family Connections - 1(800) 833-9786 or affm@aol.com or (207)-941-2347 or bkates@familiesandchildren.org (provides support, information, and referral services, an extensive library, kinship care support groups around the state, assistance in navigating social service systems and managing children with special needs, training in legal, financial, and children’s advocacy issues, mental health consultations, and conferences).
Families And Children Together (FACT) - (207)-941-2347 or info@familiesandchildren.org (provied support and referral services, assists in adoption, mental health and supervised visits.
Maine Kids-Kin - (207)-941-2347 or (866)-298-0896 or info@mainekids-kin.org (Information and referrals on legal, financial, mental health and substance abuse issues, guest speakers, Childcare/Respite, case management, clothing exchange, guidance in navigating social services, support groups and recreational family events).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (York County) - (207) 967-3025 or joppliger@adelphia.net (provides a support group, information and referrals, teaches basic advocacy skills to kinship care families, assists caregivers with legal questions, finding financial assistance).
Angel on My Shoulder - (207) 676-9621 (provieds a 24-hour crisis hotline, support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren, information, referrals, and emotional support in court proceedings.
Families And Children Together (FACT) - (207)-941-2347 or info@familiesandchildren.org (provied support and referral services, assists in adoption, mental health and supervised visits.
Maine Kids-Kin - (207)-941-2347 or (866)-298-0896 or info@mainekids-kin.org (Information and referrals on legal, financial, mental health and substance abuse issues, guest speakers, Childcare/Respite, case management, clothing exchange, guidance in navigating social services, support groups and recreational family events).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (York County) - (207) 967-3025 or joppliger@adelphia.net (provides a support group, information and referrals, teaches basic advocacy skills to kinship care families, assists caregivers with legal questions, finding financial assistance).
Angel on My Shoulder - (207) 676-9621 (provieds a 24-hour crisis hotline, support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren, information, referrals, and emotional support in court proceedings.
Maryland
The Kinship Care Resource Center of Maryland - (410) 225-0193 or 1-888-440-0193 or emerrill@coppin.edu The website address is http://bluejay.coppin.edu/kinshipcare/ (provides information, referrals, and support services for Maryland kinship care families through a central data bank).
Massachusetts
Grandparents Raising their Grandchildren - http://www.800ageinfo.com or by calling 1-800-AGEINFO (1-800-243-4636). A statewide resource guide; includes legal, financial, health, housing, and child care information, also local support groups.
Massachusetts Grandparent Resource Network - (617) 222-7421 or Sheila.Donahue-King@state.ma.us (a statewide resource of support groups, as well as public and private agencies).
Raising Our Children’s Children (ROCC) - (617) 541-3561 (provides support groups and social activities for caregiver, teaches grandparents and other relative caregivers to advocate for themselves).
Massachusetts Grandparent Resource Network - (617) 222-7421 or Sheila.Donahue-King@state.ma.us (a statewide resource of support groups, as well as public and private agencies).
Raising Our Children’s Children (ROCC) - (617) 541-3561 (provides support groups and social activities for caregiver, teaches grandparents and other relative caregivers to advocate for themselves).
Michigan
The Kinship Care Resource Center - (517) 355-9600 or kimberly.clementz@ssc.msu.edu You can also call the Hotline at 1-800-535-1218. (provides a toll-free hotline to answer legal questions and provide information and referrals related to finances, support groups, and other community resources).
Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors - 1-800-347-5297 (provides Michigan residents who are 60 years and older free legal advice from attorneys staffing the statewide legal hotline. The hotline addresses kinship care issues, in addition to general legal issues affecting seniors).
Spaulding for Children - (248) 443-0300 or khinton@spaulding.org (provides support groups, respite care, youth programs, and information on permanency options).
Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors - 1-800-347-5297 (provides Michigan residents who are 60 years and older free legal advice from attorneys staffing the statewide legal hotline. The hotline addresses kinship care issues, in addition to general legal issues affecting seniors).
Spaulding for Children - (248) 443-0300 or khinton@spaulding.org (provides support groups, respite care, youth programs, and information on permanency options).
Minnesota
The Minnesota Kinship Caregivers Association - (651) 917-4640 or MKCAChris@aol.com (provides information, education, and referrals to kinship care families).
Relatives as Parents program - (218) 525-0808 or lisak@frcduluth.org (provides a six-week educational program and support group, addresses issues related to child development, discipline, and guidance, professional speakers, provides legal assistance for kinship families).
Kinship Caregiver Resource Manual - (612) 827-3774 or lhanson@midmnlegal.org (contains statewide information about legal options for kinship caregivers, permanency planning, visitation, and public assistance programs, list of legal services, social service agencies, support groups, national organizations, information and referral services, and other appropriate Minnesota agencies).
Relatives as Parents program - (218) 525-0808 or lisak@frcduluth.org (provides a six-week educational program and support group, addresses issues related to child development, discipline, and guidance, professional speakers, provides legal assistance for kinship families).
Kinship Caregiver Resource Manual - (612) 827-3774 or lhanson@midmnlegal.org (contains statewide information about legal options for kinship caregivers, permanency planning, visitation, and public assistance programs, list of legal services, social service agencies, support groups, national organizations, information and referral services, and other appropriate Minnesota agencies).
Mississippi
Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP) - (601) 582-0909 or brightpaff@aol.com (provides a monthly support group for relatives
raising children in Petal, Mississippi. Information is made available to participants by guest speakers on a variety of issues, including legal custody, health care, self-care, and education). Groups are run by a licensed social worker who is also a grandparent caregiver.
raising children in Petal, Mississippi. Information is made available to participants by guest speakers on a variety of issues, including legal custody, health care, self-care, and education). Groups are run by a licensed social worker who is also a grandparent caregiver.
Missouri
The University of Missouri Extension Service - (417) 358-2158 or hoppv@missouri.edu (provides information, resources, and referrals to kinship care families across Missouri).
Montana
The Montana Department of Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care Division - (406) 444-4064 or basmith@state.mt.us (provides individuals assistance with daily living activities, including those associated with child-rearing, based on a review of the age and needs of the child and caregiver).
Nebraska
Relatives as Parents Program - (402) 472-3479 (sponsors four support groups across the state).
Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging Grandparent Resource Center - (402) 444-6536 ext. 297 or indahenson@hhss.state.ne.us (provides services for caregivers of any age who are currently raising a relative's child, are in the process of gaining custody of a relative's child, or have been involved in raising a relative's child, offer a monthly support group, a library of educational material for adults and children, legal assistance, counseling, and a pantry of food, diapers and perishable items).
Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging Grandparent Resource Center - (402) 444-6536 ext. 297 or indahenson@hhss.state.ne.us (provides services for caregivers of any age who are currently raising a relative's child, are in the process of gaining custody of a relative's child, or have been involved in raising a relative's child, offer a monthly support group, a library of educational material for adults and children, legal assistance, counseling, and a pantry of food, diapers and perishable items).
Nevada
Grandparents as Parents of Nevada - (702) 293-0890 or rteb@lasvegas.net (provides information about public benefits and other programs available to kinship care families).
New Hampshire
Families First of the Greater Seacoast - (603) 422 –8231 or pmaddingly@communitycampus.org or http://www.familiesfirstseacoast.org (provides kinship caregivers in the Portsmouth area parenting classes, support groups, and family outings, and hosts professional speakers).
Even Start - (603) 749-9755 (provides services for kinship caregivers, mainly in Dover and Somersworth counties. Services include support groups, social gatherings for kinship families and a reference book with information about local and federal programs and services).
Healthy Universal Beginnings (HUB) - (603) 749-9754 (provides a support group for kinship care families with guest speakers to discuss legal, financial, social, and personal issues particular to caregivers).
Family Matters - (603) 539-8223 or 1(800) 820-8138 or fmicc@ncia.net (provides advocacy, support, referrals, and information pertinent to kinship caregivers, support group meeting, caregiver training, play-groups and workshops on family issues.
New Hampshire Family Voices - (603) 271-4525 or 1-(800) 852-3345 ext. 4525 or nhfv@yahoo.com or visit http://www.nhfv.org (supports families with special needs, emotional, physical, and chronic illnesses, and disabilities, and referral service. They have extensive resources on specific issues such as ADHD, Autism, etc.)
Even Start - (603) 749-9755 (provides services for kinship caregivers, mainly in Dover and Somersworth counties. Services include support groups, social gatherings for kinship families and a reference book with information about local and federal programs and services).
Healthy Universal Beginnings (HUB) - (603) 749-9754 (provides a support group for kinship care families with guest speakers to discuss legal, financial, social, and personal issues particular to caregivers).
Family Matters - (603) 539-8223 or 1(800) 820-8138 or fmicc@ncia.net (provides advocacy, support, referrals, and information pertinent to kinship caregivers, support group meeting, caregiver training, play-groups and workshops on family issues.
New Hampshire Family Voices - (603) 271-4525 or 1-(800) 852-3345 ext. 4525 or nhfv@yahoo.com or visit http://www.nhfv.org (supports families with special needs, emotional, physical, and chronic illnesses, and disabilities, and referral service. They have extensive resources on specific issues such as ADHD, Autism, etc.)
New Jersey
The New Jersey Kinship Navigator Program - (609) 588-0187 or bluciano@dhs.state.nj.us (provides information, referrals and follow-up services to grandparents and other relative caregivers through a toll free number: 1-877-816-3211 - - - provides information on grandparenting support groups, TANF, medical coverage and services, child care, and child support, referrals to services such as housing assistance, legal services, and respite care for low-income kinship caregivers.
The Atlantic County Grandparents Raising Children Initiative - (609) 345-1994 or liznn@aol.com (provides a support group, counseling and legal services, parenting classes, and after-school child care for kinship care families in the Atlantic County area).
The Salvation Army Grand Parent Program - (973) 623-5959 or tsanewarkhsb@aol.com (provides group meetings, a variety of social and recreational opportunities, a social and legal advocacy initiative to represent the needs of kinship care families on an individual and policy level, and a summer respite camp for caregivers and children).
The Atlantic County Grandparents Raising Children Initiative - (609) 345-1994 or liznn@aol.com (provides a support group, counseling and legal services, parenting classes, and after-school child care for kinship care families in the Atlantic County area).
The Salvation Army Grand Parent Program - (973) 623-5959 or tsanewarkhsb@aol.com (provides group meetings, a variety of social and recreational opportunities, a social and legal advocacy initiative to represent the needs of kinship care families on an individual and policy level, and a summer respite camp for caregivers and children).
New Mexico
Advocates for Children and Families of Doña Ana County - (505) 525-1060, or nmervine@zianet.com (provides information and referrals, offers support groups, and sponsors social events for grandparents and grandchildren).
Outcomes, Inc. - (505) 243-2551 or facs_ct@twrol.com (offers an array of free and sliding scale-based classes and counseling for grandparent caregivers and the children they are raising in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Trained staff assist grandparents and parents work through issues of visitation and other areas of family disagreement. A free 10-week psycho-educational program designed to improve self-esteem, overcome issues of abuse, abandonment or grief, improve communication, and develop other life skills).
GAIN (Grandparents Are Indeed Necessary) - (505) 296-3589 (advocates for grandparents rights, visitation and meets weekly in Albuquerque).
Grandparents and Relatives Outreach Project (The GRO Project) - (505) 272-3459 or bbouchard@salud.unm.edu (serves grandparents and other relatives caring for children affected by pre-natal substance abuse or HIV in Albuquerque. Provides legal assistance, help in obtaining public benefits, a support group, and advocacy).
Outcomes, Inc. - (505) 243-2551 or facs_ct@twrol.com (offers an array of free and sliding scale-based classes and counseling for grandparent caregivers and the children they are raising in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Trained staff assist grandparents and parents work through issues of visitation and other areas of family disagreement. A free 10-week psycho-educational program designed to improve self-esteem, overcome issues of abuse, abandonment or grief, improve communication, and develop other life skills).
GAIN (Grandparents Are Indeed Necessary) - (505) 296-3589 (advocates for grandparents rights, visitation and meets weekly in Albuquerque).
Grandparents and Relatives Outreach Project (The GRO Project) - (505) 272-3459 or bbouchard@salud.unm.edu (serves grandparents and other relatives caring for children affected by pre-natal substance abuse or HIV in Albuquerque. Provides legal assistance, help in obtaining public benefits, a support group, and advocacy).
New York
Help for Caretaker Relatives Program - (518) 402-6775 or robert.resnick@dfa.state.ny.us (provides support services including social and educational activities for children, a statewide legal resource center dedicated to offering legal support, English/Spanish speaking support groups and mediation, school based services, adult respite care, and technological support, case management services including parent education, referrals, outreach, and counseling, assessment, financial assistance and medical/legal advocacy,and housing advocacy).
Hunter College’s Grandparent Caregiver Law Center - (212) 442-1094 or rpyle@aging.nyc.gov or (212) 442-1094 or cjackson@aging.nyc.gov (provides HELP booklets, which provide answers to questions regarding the legal and financial issues grandparent families face).
The Brooklyn Grandparent's Coalition - (718) 256-8600 or Delangosch@yahoo.com (provides support groups, case management, information and referrals, mental health counseling, respite care, training, and community outreach, hosts holiday parties, recognition luncheons, psycho-educational mini-conferences, event trips, and a triennial newsletter).
Hunter College’s Grandparent Caregiver Law Center - (212) 442-1094 or rpyle@aging.nyc.gov or (212) 442-1094 or cjackson@aging.nyc.gov (provides HELP booklets, which provide answers to questions regarding the legal and financial issues grandparent families face).
The Brooklyn Grandparent's Coalition - (718) 256-8600 or Delangosch@yahoo.com (provides support groups, case management, information and referrals, mental health counseling, respite care, training, and community outreach, hosts holiday parties, recognition luncheons, psycho-educational mini-conferences, event trips, and a triennial newsletter).
North Carolina
Regional Area Agencies on Aging - (919) 733-3983 or visit the Division of Aging website at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/aging/ (provides information and assistance, support groups, caregiver training and counseling, respite and supplemental services for kinship care families).
Raising the Generations: A Resource Guide - (919) 733-8395 or Lynne.Berry@ncmail.net (The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging, has compiled a comprehensive resource guide for grandparents caring for their grandchildren).
The GrandCare Program at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Center - (704) 522-6222, ext.126 or grandcare@earthlink.net (provides information, referrals, support groups, court-related assistance, assistance with necessary social and other services, educational workshops for grandparents and other relatives raising children).
Raising the Generations: A Resource Guide - (919) 733-8395 or Lynne.Berry@ncmail.net (The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging, has compiled a comprehensive resource guide for grandparents caring for their grandchildren).
The GrandCare Program at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Center - (704) 522-6222, ext.126 or grandcare@earthlink.net (provides information, referrals, support groups, court-related assistance, assistance with necessary social and other services, educational workshops for grandparents and other relatives raising children).
North Dakota
Casey Family Programs - (701) 222-8193 or sjmarshall@casey.org or (701) 627-4560 or dclark@casey.org (provides services for kinship caregivers in the Bismarck (including the Standing Rock Reservation) and Fort Berthold areas. Offers three permanency option programs: long-term foster care, subsidized guardianship, and post-adoption services, all of which are available to kinship care providers. These programs include ongoing case management and parent support/education as well as financial supports and assistance in accessing other community supports).
The Sacred Child Project at United Tribes Technical College - (701) 255-3285 ext. 389 or uttcsacredchild@hotmail.com (uses a multi-disciplinary approach to working with Native American children, youths with serious emotional challenges and their parents and kinship caregivers).
The North Dakota Department of Human Services Aging Services Division - (701) 328-8910 or soshan@state.nd.us or visit http://ndseniorinfoline.com (offers several programs that serve eligible kinship care families, including Family Home Care which provides room, board, supervisory care, and personal services for an elderly or disabled adult or child. The Department also offers the Senior Info-line, 1-800-451-8693, a free confidential service that provides information for seniors who are providing full-time care for a loved one).
The Sacred Child Project at United Tribes Technical College - (701) 255-3285 ext. 389 or uttcsacredchild@hotmail.com (uses a multi-disciplinary approach to working with Native American children, youths with serious emotional challenges and their parents and kinship caregivers).
The North Dakota Department of Human Services Aging Services Division - (701) 328-8910 or soshan@state.nd.us or visit http://ndseniorinfoline.com (offers several programs that serve eligible kinship care families, including Family Home Care which provides room, board, supervisory care, and personal services for an elderly or disabled adult or child. The Department also offers the Senior Info-line, 1-800-451-8693, a free confidential service that provides information for seniors who are providing full-time care for a loved one).
Ohio
The Kinship Care Navigator Program - 1-800-755-4769 (provides kinship caregivers with assistance in obtaining information about benefits and services, including child care, support groups, respite care, training on how to care for children with special needs, and legal services.
Guernsey County Kinship Support Group - (740) 439-5555 or fam2famgue@yahoo.com (provides support for grandparents and any other relatives who are
providing kinship care. The group offers community speakers and a licensed social worker to address the needs and concerns of the kinship caregivers. The program also organizes outings, family events, and kinship conferences).
Reentering as Parents (REAP) - 1-(800) 686-1738 or vtodd@lys.org (offers support, information, resources for grandparents raising their grandchildren. REAP addresses issues from feelings of guilt to dealing with personal health challenges. Group members meet monthly and features expert guest speakers on issues of concern for kinship care families).
Guernsey County Kinship Support Group - (740) 439-5555 or fam2famgue@yahoo.com (provides support for grandparents and any other relatives who are
providing kinship care. The group offers community speakers and a licensed social worker to address the needs and concerns of the kinship caregivers. The program also organizes outings, family events, and kinship conferences).
Reentering as Parents (REAP) - 1-(800) 686-1738 or vtodd@lys.org (offers support, information, resources for grandparents raising their grandchildren. REAP addresses issues from feelings of guilt to dealing with personal health challenges. Group members meet monthly and features expert guest speakers on issues of concern for kinship care families).
Oklahoma
Lifespan Respite Program - (405) 521-4368 or Marilyn.Alexander@okdhs.org (provides respite for a wide range of caregivers, including grandparents and other relatives raising children. The program has a simple application process and relatively few guidelines. To qualify, the caregiver must have an annual income of $60,000 or less. Once the caregivers are approved for respite, the Department of Human Services issues a voucher that can be used to purchase respite services from the caregiver of their choice. The program also publishes and makes available a Respite Guide for Families and Providers, which provides assistance on selecting providers).
Starting Points for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - (405) 522-4510 or judy.leitner@okdhs.org (a resource guide).
The Oklahoma Area-wide Service Information System (OASIS) - 1(800)- 42-OASIS (a Grandparent’s Information Clearinghouse).
Starting Points for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - (405) 522-4510 or judy.leitner@okdhs.org (a resource guide).
The Oklahoma Area-wide Service Information System (OASIS) - 1(800)- 42-OASIS (a Grandparent’s Information Clearinghouse).
Oregon
South Coast Head Start - (541) 888-3717 or cshangraw@head-start.net (provides support groups, respite care, and legal services to kinship care families, facilitates the enrollment of children raised by relatives in its Head Start program and offers literacy, employment, and parenting education services).
The Milwaukie Center - (503) 653-8100 or cherylnal@co.clackamas.or.us (provides support groups, respite, legal referrals, parenting training, and information for grandparents raising grandchildren in the Portland area).
Urban League Adult and Senior Services - (503) 988-5470 ext. 24559 or Dnorgia.Price@co.multnomah.or.us (provides support groups, information, and referrals for kinship care families in Northeast Oregon. Staff travels throughout the state to speak about issues affecting kinship care families. The organization also offers legal services to eligible kinship care providers).
The Oregon Grandparents as Parents Group - (503) 493-3307 (represents the needs of kinship care families across Oregon by providing one-on-one counseling and legal, medical, agency, and support group referrals).
The Portland Office of Casey Family Services - (503) 287-6068 ext. 238 or mfarah@casey.org (provides referrals and resources for kinship care families in the Portland area. It works individually with kinship care families and also provides referrals to Kinship House for other group programs and services).
The Milwaukie Center - (503) 653-8100 or cherylnal@co.clackamas.or.us (provides support groups, respite, legal referrals, parenting training, and information for grandparents raising grandchildren in the Portland area).
Urban League Adult and Senior Services - (503) 988-5470 ext. 24559 or Dnorgia.Price@co.multnomah.or.us (provides support groups, information, and referrals for kinship care families in Northeast Oregon. Staff travels throughout the state to speak about issues affecting kinship care families. The organization also offers legal services to eligible kinship care providers).
The Oregon Grandparents as Parents Group - (503) 493-3307 (represents the needs of kinship care families across Oregon by providing one-on-one counseling and legal, medical, agency, and support group referrals).
The Portland Office of Casey Family Services - (503) 287-6068 ext. 238 or mfarah@casey.org (provides referrals and resources for kinship care families in the Portland area. It works individually with kinship care families and also provides referrals to Kinship House for other group programs and services).
Pennsylvania
Grand Central Kinship Care Resource Center - (215) 557-1554 or campbelljackson11@msn.com or visit the website at http://www.grandcentralinc.org (provides information and referrals, family support services, educational seminars, and support groups at nineteen community-based Family Center sites).
Rhode Island
Kincare Alliance - (401) 732-7832 (provides education training and support services for kinship care families, hosts recreational activities and offers social services to address the needs and concerns of kinship care providers).
South Carolina
Parents Anonymous - (843) 747-0480 or paofsc@aol.com (offers support groups for relative caregivers in Goosecreek, Columbia, and Aiken, provides kinship care families with information and referrals to local resources).
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Senior Services - (803) 898-2848 or o’leary@dhhs.state.sc.us (provides relative caregivers referrals to resources in their local communities, provides support group services to the northern section of the state and is developing a kinship care resource directory that will provide statewide information).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - Sumter: (803)-775-7381, Greenwood: (864)-941-8067 or 1-800-922-7729 or bwright@uppersavannah.com, Columbia: (803)-343-2924 or gbullock@richlandone.org (Offers support groups and information for grandparents and other relative caregivers).
Kinship Care Resource and Support Program: Helping and Lending Outreach Support (HALOS) - (843)-953-9539 or amber@charlestonhalos.org or visit www.charlestonhalos.org (provides Bi-monthly support group meetings, educational seminars, referrals, appreciation events, and other services to kinship families in the Charleston area).
Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, Councils on Aging - (803)-734-9872 or barthe@aging.sc.gov or visit www.aging.sc.gov
(A statewide Family Caregiver Support Program, one-on-one assistance and support, information/referral, counseling, support groups, respite, newsletter and educational materials).
Waccamau Regional Council of Government - (843)-436-6144 or (843)-546-8502 or (843)-546-4231 or jengray843@yahoo.com or visit www.wrcog.org (provides Information and referral, insurance counseling assistance, family caregiver support program, long term care ombudsman program, and respite care and activities in the Waccamau region).
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Senior Services - (803) 898-2848 or o’leary@dhhs.state.sc.us (provides relative caregivers referrals to resources in their local communities, provides support group services to the northern section of the state and is developing a kinship care resource directory that will provide statewide information).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - Sumter: (803)-775-7381, Greenwood: (864)-941-8067 or 1-800-922-7729 or bwright@uppersavannah.com, Columbia: (803)-343-2924 or gbullock@richlandone.org (Offers support groups and information for grandparents and other relative caregivers).
Kinship Care Resource and Support Program: Helping and Lending Outreach Support (HALOS) - (843)-953-9539 or amber@charlestonhalos.org or visit www.charlestonhalos.org (provides Bi-monthly support group meetings, educational seminars, referrals, appreciation events, and other services to kinship families in the Charleston area).
Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, Councils on Aging - (803)-734-9872 or barthe@aging.sc.gov or visit www.aging.sc.gov
(A statewide Family Caregiver Support Program, one-on-one assistance and support, information/referral, counseling, support groups, respite, newsletter and educational materials).
Waccamau Regional Council of Government - (843)-436-6144 or (843)-546-8502 or (843)-546-4231 or jengray843@yahoo.com or visit www.wrcog.org (provides Information and referral, insurance counseling assistance, family caregiver support program, long term care ombudsman program, and respite care and activities in the Waccamau region).
South Dakota
The Grandparents as Parents Support Group - (605) 361-2645 or enrwh@msn.com (a suppport group facilitated by grandparents and other relatives caring for children in the Sioux Falls area, group meets monthly and regularly invites expert speakers to talk about issues affecting kinship care families).
Grandparents as Parents Support - (605)-361-2645 or (605)-366-5316 or Sharon.hall70@gmail.com (Provides information and referrals statewide).
Grandparents as Parents Support - (605)-361-2645 or (605)-366-5316 or Sharon.hall70@gmail.com (Provides information and referrals statewide).
Tennessee
Campora Family Resource Center (Winchester area) - (931)-967-7825 or eric.vanzant@fcstn.net or visit http://franklincountyschools.k12tn.net/campora.html (Provides information, referrals and support groups).
Relatives as Parents Program (Knox County) - (865)-524-2786 or cac@knoxcac.org or visit www.knoxcac.org (Provides information, referrals, family activities, transportation and support sessions).
Relatives as Parents Program (Warren County) - (931)-473-6559 or cmingle@srctr.org or rapp@blomand.net or visit www.srctr.org (Provides legislative advocacy, family programs, mentoring, tutoring, respite counseling, summer reading program, town hall meeting and support groups).
Relatives as Parents Program (Knox County) - (865)-524-2786 or cac@knoxcac.org or visit www.knoxcac.org (Provides information, referrals, family activities, transportation and support sessions).
Relatives as Parents Program (Warren County) - (931)-473-6559 or cmingle@srctr.org or rapp@blomand.net or visit www.srctr.org (Provides legislative advocacy, family programs, mentoring, tutoring, respite counseling, summer reading program, town hall meeting and support groups).
Texas
A Family Affair - (214)-206-1855 or Cynthia.burleson@afamilyaffairoftexas.com or visit www.afamilyaffairoftexas.com ( offers a database of support groups and
services statewide, information and referral via telephone, mail or in person, monthly telephone support group meetings).
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services - (512)-438-4866 or patricia.bordie@dads.state.tx.us or visit www.dads.state.tx.us/contact/combined.cfm (provides information and referral to support groups, respite care, other support services statewide).
services statewide, information and referral via telephone, mail or in person, monthly telephone support group meetings).
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services - (512)-438-4866 or patricia.bordie@dads.state.tx.us or visit www.dads.state.tx.us/contact/combined.cfm (provides information and referral to support groups, respite care, other support services statewide).
Utah
Utah Department of Human Services, Division of Child & Family Services - (801)-556-5246 or judymiller@utah.gov or visit www.hsdcfs.utah.gov/kinship.htm (Provides support groups and assistance accessing local service providers).
Vermont
Vermont Kin as Parents (VKAP) - (802)-338-4725 or kinlmg@comcast.net or visit www.vermontkinsasparents.org (Offers information/referral, newsletter, annual conference, community outreach and education, advocacy, and help developing support groups statewide).
Vermont Kinship Care Kids - (802)-285-2102 or (802)-782-8019 or sbullis@kinshipcarekids.com or hshortvt@comcast.net or visit www.vermontkinshipcarekids.com (Information website, online support group and Facebook group).
Vermont Kinship Care Kids - (802)-285-2102 or (802)-782-8019 or sbullis@kinshipcarekids.com or hshortvt@comcast.net or visit www.vermontkinshipcarekids.com (Information website, online support group and Facebook group).
Virginia
GRANDS (Graciously Raising and Nurturing Daughters and Sons) - (757)-419-4454 or grandppl@gmail.com or visit www.votcdc.org/grands (Provides support groups in the Hampton Roads/Portsmouth area).
FACES of Virginia - 1- 877-VA FACES (1-877-823-2237 toll-free) or cnewbanks@facesofvirginia.org or visit www.facesofvirginia.org (Provides information and referral statewide).
Prevent Child Abuse Virginia - (804)-359-6166 or info@pcav.org or visit http://preventchildabuseva.org (Provides information/referral via telephone, mail or in
person; database of support groups and services, Spanish speaking staff).
FACES of Virginia - 1- 877-VA FACES (1-877-823-2237 toll-free) or cnewbanks@facesofvirginia.org or visit www.facesofvirginia.org (Provides information and referral statewide).
Prevent Child Abuse Virginia - (804)-359-6166 or info@pcav.org or visit http://preventchildabuseva.org (Provides information/referral via telephone, mail or in
person; database of support groups and services, Spanish speaking staff).
Washington
Kinship Caregivers Support Program - 1-800-422-3263 or visit www.dshs.wa.gov/kinshipcare/ or visit www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/kinship/countylist11_08.pdf ( Offers financial support for caregivers not formally involved with the child welfare system statewide).
Children’s Home Society – Relatives Raising Children - (509)-747-4174 or betsyb@chs-wa.org or visit www.chs-wa.org (Provides support groups, counseling, information, referrals, respite care and family activity days in the Spokane area).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - (360)-676-6749 or bendire@dshs.wa.gov (Offers senior information and assistance and tribal outreach in northwest Washington).
Children’s Home Society – Relatives Raising Children - (509)-747-4174 or betsyb@chs-wa.org or visit www.chs-wa.org (Provides support groups, counseling, information, referrals, respite care and family activity days in the Spokane area).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren - (360)-676-6749 or bendire@dshs.wa.gov (Offers senior information and assistance and tribal outreach in northwest Washington).
West Virginia
Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP) - 304-380-6775 or lharbert@missionwv.org or visit www.missionwv.org (Provides support groups, workshops, resource referrals and toll free warm line 1-866-CALL-MWV (toll-free).
Wisconsin
Family Caregiver Support Program - 1-(866)-843-9810 (toll-free) or wisconsincaregiver@interfaithmilw.org or visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/caregiver.htm or visit www.wisconsincaregiver.org (Provides information and resources in local Wisconsin communities by telephone and on the web).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Network - (608)-228-8082 or lyndsay.dekeyser@gwaar.org or visit www.gwaar.org or visit www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/grandparent/wisconsin.cfm (Statewide advocacy network. Provides information on local services, including social, legal, public benefit).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Network - (608)-228-8082 or lyndsay.dekeyser@gwaar.org or visit www.gwaar.org or visit www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/grandparent/wisconsin.cfm (Statewide advocacy network. Provides information on local services, including social, legal, public benefit).
Wyoming
Circle of Parents, Circle of Grandparents - (307)-637-8622 or executivedirector@pcawyoming.org (Provides support groups, service network of local organizations and kinship care training statewide)
Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division - (307)-777-8566 or 1-800-442-2766 (toll-free) or jeanne.scheneman1@health.wyo.gov or visit http://wdh.state.wy.us/aging/index.html ( Provides respite care, counseling and information and referrals statewide).
Kinship Support Services - (307)-635-9291 or Dianne@calc.net or visit www.calc.net (Provides support groups, respite care,
assistance in accessing services and counseling in southeast Wyoming).
Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division - (307)-777-8566 or 1-800-442-2766 (toll-free) or jeanne.scheneman1@health.wyo.gov or visit http://wdh.state.wy.us/aging/index.html ( Provides respite care, counseling and information and referrals statewide).
Kinship Support Services - (307)-635-9291 or Dianne@calc.net or visit www.calc.net (Provides support groups, respite care,
assistance in accessing services and counseling in southeast Wyoming).