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

The Brookdale Foundation Group

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New York, NY 10022

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www.brookdalefoundation.org