Resources for Relative and Kinship Caregivers

This section provides resources for kinship caregivers and outlines where relatives can go to find the support they need to be successful. Resources include handbooks and information about legal, financial, and other issues common to kinship families. The section also provides guidance on changing family dynamics and establishing permanency.

• Guides and Handbooks
• Legal and Financial Information
• Impact on Caregivers
• Changing Family Dynamics
• Establishing Permanency

GrandFacts: State Fact Sheets for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children
Grandfamilies.org (2019)
Provides 52 State-specific factsheets, including information on kinship caregiver data, State programs and local resources, public benefits, educational assistance, legal information, and State laws. National information and resources for Washington, DC, are also included.

Grandfamilies and COVID-19: Families of Unique Origins Face Unique Challenges 
Day-Burget (2020) 
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 
Explores the unique challenges faced by grandfamilies during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the benefits of kinship caregiving, and lists policy and practice recommendations to support grandfamilies and kinship caregivers during the pandemic. 

Grandfamilies Resources
Grandfamilies.org (2019)
Gives access to free and online resources in support of grandfamilies, including information on laws, financial assistance, health care, housing, caregiver support, education, and more. The site also includes links to national organizations and publications for kinship caregivers.

GRAND Resource: Help for Grandfamilies Impacted by Opioids and Other Substance Use
Generations United (2019)
Provides tips, useful information, and a list of resources to help grandfamilies, both inside and outside the foster care system, impacted by opioids or other substances.

Kinship Navigator Programs Practical Tips and Resources (PDF - 303 KB)
Generations United (2020)
Provides practical tips and resources for kinship navigator programs to assist caregivers in learning the programs and services. It also summarizes federal program requirements and tips for programs that build on these legal requirements.

Kinship Resources
Kids Matter, Inc. (2016)
Lists resources that aid kinship caregivers, including grandparents raising grandchildren, young adults raising younger siblings, and all forms of extended kinship families. The site also includes links to national organizations.

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