Kinship caregivers (Grandparents parenting again)
What happens to children when their parents are, for a variety of reasons, unable to care for them? It is not uncommon for grandparents or other relative caregivers to step in and provide a loving and nurturing home for their grandchildren or relative's children.
2000 Census figures show:
- 2,350,477 grandparents in the United States are responsible for raising one or more of their grandchildren
- 1,334,455 grandparents raising their grandchildren are working outside the home
- 6 million children in the United States today are living in grandparent — or other relative — maintained households
- 47,679 grandchildren in Minnesota are living with their grandparents
- 757 grandchildren in Olmsted County are living with their grandparents
Support Group and Other Services for Kinship Caregivers
Parenting again can offer some unique challenges such as child care issues, legal responsibilities, financial issues, coordinating community resources, stress management, child development and balancing needs. Along with these challenges and responsibilities come some special needs for support and information. All services are free and confidential.
- Support Group
The Grandparent, Parenting Again Support Group is offered for grandparents and relative caregivers parenting again. Attending support may be an important resource for you to discuss and resolve family obstacles with a group of peers who are going through similar situations. It is a great network where you can talk about your concerns and difficulties, as well as share your successes and experiences to help others.
Support groups are offered the third Tuesdays of every month. Please call for specific time and location. Child care is offered for families during evening group.
The support group involves group discussions on issues chosen by group members, community speakers, and information on community resources. - Home Visits
Home visits offer additional support to families with challenging issues. - Information & Referral
Information and referral assists families with locating community resources. - Children's Support Programming
Educational and exciting events for the children. - Other services
Other services available include crisis child care, short-term overnight child care, in-home family counseling, and parent education. - Regional Service Agency Outreach
The Minnesota Kinship Caregivers Association (MKCA) approved funding for Crisis Nursery Grandparent's, Parenting Again of Child Care Resource and Referral as a Regional Service Agency serving Southeastern Minnesota. MKCA is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for, supports, and provides information and resources to people raising their grandchildren or children of other kin and friends.
If you or someone you know would like more information about services available to caregivers raising relatives' children, contact Grandparents, Parenting Again 1-800-462-1660.